Litterbugs may now be fined up to $10,000 for repeat offences, after an amendment was made to the Environmental Public Health Act in Parliament.
First-time offenders will have their maximum penalties increase two-fold, from $1,000 to $2,000, while the amount is capped at $4,000 for second-time offenders. This is the first revision made for fines dished out to first- and second-time offenders since 1987.
Third and subsequent offenders will face a maximum penalty of up to $10,000 for littering-related offences.
Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Environment and Water Resources Minister, told Parliament that there was 50% increase in complaints received for littering between 2013 and 2010 but enforcement was difficult undertaking since litterbugs are rarely caught red-handed.
Out of 1,300 high-rise littering complaints made last year, only 19 offenders were prosecuted by the National Environment Agency.
Dr. Balakrishnan also added that amendments to the Act would now allow the authorities to request for information leading to the identification of the litterbugs.
Source: Today
Photo: AFP
