Bernama reported that judge Raja Noor Adilla Raja Mahyaldin imposed the sentences after Pakistani national Shah Sardar, 29, and four locals – Aqil Sofidaliny, 26; Shahril Liwan, 43; Syahmi Zulkipli, 32; and Shafhan Mustapha, 28 – pleaded guilty to all charges.

Shah was accused of dumping household waste without permission in Batu Berendam at about 10am on Feb 27, 2024 under Section 71(1) of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007.

The offence is punishable under Section 71(8) of the same Act.

The section provides for a fine of RM10,000 to RM100,000, six months to five years’ imprisonment, or both.

The four local men were charged under Sections 77A(2) and 77B(1) of the same Act for disposing of cigarette butts in public places instead of in designated bins. The sections provide for a fine of up to RM2,000 and up to 12 hours’ community service.

Prosecuting officers from SWCorp, which implements the national solid waste management policy, Dewira Sherra Norman and Abd Hadi Abd Wahab, sought deterrent sentences, particularly for Shah, arguing that he had resided in Malaysia for a long time and should respect the country’s laws.

Lawyer Cassian Anthony, who represented Shah, pleaded for a minimum fine, citing family responsibilities, his recent employment and health issues. The local men were unrepresented.

The court fined Shah RM10,000, or six months’ jail in default. Aqil and Syahmi were fined RM300 each and ordered to perform 12 hours of community service. Shafhan was fined RM200 and ordered to complete eight hours of community service, while Shahril was fined RM100 and ordered to serve four hours.

They were ordered to complete their community service within six months.