KUALA LUMPUR, El Sky News — Starting January 1, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur / DBKL) will officially enforce fines of up to RM2,000 (approximately Rp7 million) against individuals caught spitting in public areas across the Malaysian capital. The regulation applies to both locals and foreign visitors as part of broader efforts to improve public hygiene and urban discipline.
Background and Policy Objective
According to DBKL officials, the measure aims to curb unsanitary behavior that continues to be observed in busy public spaces, including sidewalks, tourist zones, and commercial districts. Authorities emphasized that spitting in public not only degrades cleanliness but also poses public health risks and damages Kuala Lumpur’s image as a modern, world-class city.
The policy is also aligned with preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026, a nationwide tourism campaign intended to attract millions of international visitors. City officials stated that stricter enforcement of cleanliness regulations is necessary to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
Details of the Penalty
Under the new enforcement rules:
- Offenders may face fines of up to RM2,000 for spitting in public places.
- In some cases, violators may also be required to perform community service, potentially exceeding 12 hours within a six-month period.
- Enforcement will be carried out through routine inspections and special cleanliness operations conducted by DBKL officers.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
Authorities will prioritize enforcement in high-footfall and tourist-heavy zones, including:
- Bukit Bintang
- Dataran Merdeka
- Jalan Tun Perak
- Brickfields commercial district
These areas are considered critical due to the volume of pedestrians, tourists, and daily economic activity.
Public Response
While some residents have raised concerns about the consistency of enforcement, many have welcomed the move, viewing it as a necessary step toward cultivating civic responsibility and cleaner public spaces. DBKL reiterated that the policy is not intended solely as punishment, but as a long-term effort to change public behavior and raise awareness about hygiene and shared responsibility in urban life.
(Lunar)
