BEWARE!! Litterbugs pay HIGHER!

The Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) will increase the fine for littering from RM50 to RM250 beginning Feb 1.

MPPP financial management sub-committee alternate chairman Tan Hun Wooi said this was to “curb the menace” of people throwing rubbish everywhere and anywhere despite rubbish bins being provided in all areas.

He said even those who throw a cigarette butt or a tissue paper would be slapped with a RM250 fine.

“There will be no discounts offered.

“There are three divisions in the council that can issue compounds for littering.

They are the enforcement, licensing and municipality services divisions,” he said during a full council meeting yesterday.

Tan said the fine for those who did not properly dispose of rubbish after renovation works, rubbish from their kitchen or any form of rubbish would also be increased from RM50 to RM250 from Feb 1.

“We are letting the public know that we are serious about this matter and is giving them ample time to be aware of the new fine amount.

“This is also in line with the Cleaner, Greener Penang initiative to create awareness on the importance of protecting the environment,” he added.

Tan was, however, unable to say how many people were caught by the council for littering so far this year and last year.

He said the current fines of RM250 for those who discard unwanted stuff by the roadside and RM500 for dropping cement from lorries transporting the material would remain.

Good idea! But I'm wondering how are they gonna monitor the bug litters???