Housing Ministry to nominate award-winning cleaning workers for state honours

PETALING JAYA, Aug 19 — The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) is set to honor the 2026 Cleaning Workers Award recipients with state honors, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifices in maintaining public cleanliness. KPKT Minister Nga Kor Ming disclosed the decision during a speech at the 2026 Cleaning Workers Appreciation Day.

He noted that the proposal was finalized with KPKT secretary-general Datuk Dr Wira M Noor Azman Taib to ensure the award winners receive the recognition they deserve. This year’s honorees will be nominated to the respective state palaces for their services. Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu was also in attendance.

The practice of recognizing cleaning workers’ contributions has been ongoing in Penang for nearly a decade, and Nga advocates for extending this recognition to other states. As of August 17, 2026, 14,807 offence notices have been issued this year, with 548 individuals serving Community Service Orders under Act 672. Of those, 419 have completed their obligations, while 129 are still fulfilling their sentences.

Nga emphasized that the Community Service Order serves as both a deterrent and an educational tool in promoting discipline, responsibility, and public cleanliness awareness. At the event, awards were given to seven cleaning workers, with two from Alam Flora Sdn Bhd and five from SWM Environment Sdn Bhd.