Jakarta Globe, Johor Bahru – A 36-year-old Indonesian man has become the first person in Malaysia to serve jail time for littering a cigarette butt in a public place, Bernama reported.
The man, who works as a general contractor worker, was sentenced to one month in prison after failing to pay a RM1,000 ($240) fine imposed by a court. He must also complete six hours of community service after his release.
Johor Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) director Zainal Fitri Ahmad disclosed the case at a news conference in Johor Bahru on Tuesday, according to Bernama.
The case dates to February, when the Indonesian man was caught littering in the Stulang area of Johor. The offense included improperly disposing of a cigarette butt in a public area.
He began serving his prison sentence on Aug. 28 after being unable to pay the fine.
"After serving the prison sentence, the individual will undergo six hours of community service," Zainal said, as quoted by Bernama on Thursday.
The case marks the first time a littering offense in Malaysia has resulted in a prison sentence, SWCorp said. Previously, offenders were generally subject to fines and/or community service.
Under Section 77A of Malaysia's Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007, those convicted of littering can face a fine of up to RM2,000 or community service for up to six months.
Community service for littering offenses took effect on Jan. 1, 2026, in seven Malaysian states covered by the law. The penalties target cigarette butts and other forms of small-scale littering, with community service including cleaning public areas and facilities.