Penang will begin using enforcement officers equipped with body cameras on July 1, 2026, to monitor and clamp down on littering offences across the state [1, 2, 3, 4]. Each enforcement team will include at least two officers, with one required to wear a body camera during operations [2, 3].
These body cameras, currently numbering 170 at Penang Island City Council and 17 at Seberang Perai City Council, will provide video and photographic evidence to support enforcement actions [1, 3, 4]. Plans are underway to add more cameras costing about RM1,000 each, supplementing the 1,822 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras statewide already used for surveillance [4, 1, 2]. Jason H'ng Mooi Lye, a state official, said, “The use of body cameras is aimed at improving transparency, accountability and public confidence in enforcement actions.” The cameras have a green light that indicates when recording is in progress [1, 2]. Enforcement can occur 24 hours a day without restrictions on timing [3].
Starting the same day, Penang will enforce its Community Service Order (PKM) for minor littering offences. Under the order, offenders can be fined up to RM2,000, ordered to perform up to 12 hours of community service within six months, or both [1, 2, 3, 4]. Community service tasks may include sweeping, washing, mopping, painting, and waste collection in public areas such as markets, beaches, parks, bus stops, public toilets and food courts [1, 2, 3, 4].
If offenders fail to comply with court orders, fines from RM2,000 up to RM10,000 may be imposed [1, 2, 3, 4]. H'ng noted, “The punishment is not meant solely to penalise but to educate offenders on civic responsibility and public cleanliness.”
The state executive council approved guidelines for implementing the Community Service Order on May 6, 2026, after a state decision on November 12, 2025, to amend the Street, Drainage and Building Act to allow it [1, 2, 3, 4]. H'ng explained the government took six months to finalize procedures following national-level discussions, saying, “Since this is still new in Penang, we want proper procedures in place first.”
The launch of body cameras and community service enforcement is set for July 1, 2026, marking the start of a stricter approach to littering in Penang [1, 2, 3, 4].
