January 2, 2026
PETALING JAYA – It’s a memo to the litterbugs out there.
As stricter anti-littering enforcement takes effect, scrutiny is growing over how seriously the country treats cleanliness, from streets and public spaces to tourist spots.
Starting Jan 1, those who discard wastes like cigarette butts and food wrappers can lead to court-ordered community service of up to 12 hours, signalling a shift from fines to behaviour correction.
Authorities say the aim is education, but industry players feel enforcement alone will not fix entrenched habits.
“The question is how much do we really care about cleanliness and the image of the country?” said Malaysia Association of Cleaning Management (MACM) president Noruddin Idris.
He said that complaints about dirty toilets, particularly at entry points such as airports, are among the most frequent raised by visitors.
“Airports leave the first impression. Unfortunately, toilet cleanliness is still a major complaint.
“Entry points such as airports play a critical role in shaping first impressions,” he said in an interview.
Noruddin recalled that a former mayor would urge building owners to clean their facades whenever Kuala Lumpur hosted foreign visitors or international meetings.
“Today, everyday lapses remain common. Cigarette butts are scattered outside offices while food containers and rubbish are left in public areas.”
Noruddin also said that many facility operators appeared satisfied with their cleaning arrangements, with no push for additional deep cleaning even at high-traffic locations.
“It’s not about how often cleaning is done, but how ‘clean’ the process is,” he said, likening poor practices to repeatedly mopping floors with dirty water.
Noruddin explained that facade cleaning costs vary widely depending on building height, accessibility, equipment needs and time constraints.
“Some buildings only allow facade cleaning on weekends. Weather is another factor,” he said.
From an architectural perspective, Malaysian Institute of Architects president Adrianta Aziz said facade cleanliness of buildings and popular landmarks is critical in shaping a city’s image for visitors.
“Neglected facades subconsciously communicate a lack of care, which can diminish the perceived quality of the destination.”
Facade care, he said, is also a statutory and safety obligation, governed by the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 and the Strata Management Act.
“Facade cleanliness and maintenance are not optional aesthetic preferences; they reflect professional practice, statutory compliance, public safety and cultural identity.”
Adrianta noted that Visit Malaysia 2026 could be a catalyst for building owners to take maintenance seriously, but stressed that short-term facade polish must give way to sustainable, regulated maintenance regimes supported by professional standards and statutory obligations.