Kota Kinabalu: Luyang Assemblyman Samuel Wong said efforts to address littering and illegal dumping in Sabah should focus on consistent enforcement rather than occasional campaigns.
He said existing laws are sufficient, but their effectiveness depends on how regularly and fairly they are applied, particularly in Kota Kinabalu.
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“Malaysia, including Sabah, already has the laws. The key factor is consistency in enforcement,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.
Wong noted the federal government’s recent use of fines and court-ordered community service for littering, describing it as an approach that promotes responsibility and public awareness.
“This sends a clear signal that cleanliness is a shared responsibility and that rules are meant to be followed,” he said, adding that similar measures could be considered by Sabah’s local authorities.
Commenting on cleanliness around tourism areas, Wong said standards in public spaces influence visitor perceptions, especially as Sabah prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“Clean surroundings are a basic expectation for visitors, particularly in frequently visited areas,” he said.
He added that tourism contributes significantly to the State’s economy, and maintaining cleanliness supports confidence among visitors, businesses and local communities.
Wong said the main challenge lies not in the absence of by-laws, but in uneven enforcement.
“Anti-litter regulations are already in place. What is needed is regular and predictable enforcement,” he said.
He encouraged Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and other local authorities to apply existing laws consistently, especially in public and tourism-focused locations.
Among practical steps suggested were identifying key tourism routes as priority enforcement areas, increasing inspections with on-the-spot fines, and ensuring post-election clean-ups by political parties are carried out as required.
For the longer term, Wong proposed the use of cleanliness performance indicators within DBKK, closer coordination between agencies, and incorporating enforcement outcomes into municipal performance assessments.
“These measures are practical and can be implemented within existing structures,” he said.
Wong also said tourism promotion efforts should be complemented by effective municipal management.
“Visitors form their views based on what they see in public spaces. Consistent enforcement supports both tourism objectives and daily living conditions for residents,” he said.
