While other countries may not have as many trash bins as Singapore, littering is still strictly prohibited. A resident of Singapore was fined RM1,000 (S$322) and sentenced to four hours of community service by the Johor Bahru Magistrates' Court on April 1 after being caught littering.

The individual, identified as Sinha Vaibhav, 40, was among four people facing similar charges in court that day. Vaibhav pleaded guilty but requested a reduction in his community service hours due to a knee injury, for which he provided a doctor's note. He will complete his four hours of service over the next six months, dedicating an hour each day to fulfill this requirement.

'I shouldn't have done that'

In an interview with AsiaOne, Vaibhav explained that he discarded a can of Coke into a trash pile outside a KKMart in front of KSL City Mall while waiting for his car service on January 14. The Singapore resident, who is in Malaysia on an employment pass, mentioned that he couldn't find a nearby bin and thought it was acceptable to throw his trash there since he had seen others do the same.

"But I felt guilty for that," he reflected. "I shouldn't have done that."

His actions were noted by police officers who approached him to take his statement. The officers explained his offense and issued him a notice. When asked by AsiaOne if he was aware of the stricter legislation known as Act 672, which imposes fines up to RM2,000 and community service up to 12 hours for littering or spitting, Vaibhav admitted he was unaware of it, as he does not frequently visit Malaysia.

After the incident, he received a WhatsApp message regarding his summons, which he collected on March 12, and learned that his court date was set for April 1.

"It's a good lesson learned," he remarked. "In Singapore, we know not to litter. We don't do that in Singapore. Maybe there was a bin nearby; I just didn't see it."

Despite this unpleasant experience, Vaibhav expressed his love for Malaysia. He mentioned that he often brings his car there for servicing and takes his children to Legoland. "Maybe next time, I'll just keep my trash in the car first and walk around to look for a bin," he concluded.

For further inquiries, contact khooyihang@asiaone.com or shafiq.apandi@asiaone.com.