New Policies, Enforcement Measures To Enhance People’s Well-being - Analysts

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- From Jan 1, 2026, Malaysians will see a range of new policy changes and enforcement measures that are expected to directly impact their daily routines and social responsibilities, requiring early adaptation by both the public and implementing agencies to ensure smooth implementation. 

They include the enforcement of the Online Safety Act, the imposition of fines and public cleaning duties for offences such as littering in public places, the second phase of salary adjustments for civil servants, and the lowering of the youth age limit to 30.

In addition, the rates and methods for compounding traffic summonses by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will be standardised, alongside the implementation of the Visit Malaysia 2026 initiative, which is expected to spur growth in the tourism sector and the national economy.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Social Sciences lecturer Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the measures reflect the government’s efforts to strengthen social discipline, public safety and the welfare of civil servants.

He said that while the policies have the potential to stimulate economic growth through Visit Malaysia 2026, their effectiveness depends on clear, phased implementation to avoid misunderstandings or undue burden on the public.

“Overall, the policy changes coming into force from Jan 1, 2026 reflect the government’s efforts to strengthen social discipline, public safety and the welfare of civil servants, while also stimulating the national economy.

“However, their effectiveness depends on the extent to which these policies are implemented in a phased, transparent and people-oriented manner, so that they are not perceived as merely punitive or burdensome to certain groups,” he told Bernama.

On administrative readiness, Sivamurugan stressed that managing multiple policy changes requires effective inter-agency coordination, clear policy communication and a reasonable adjustment period.

“Overly strict implementation without adequate explanation and support risks placing pressure on the public. Therefore, a balanced approach between enforcement, education and administrative empathy is crucial during the initial phase,” he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities director Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said that as the MADANI Government enters its fourth year, the country appears to have achieved a level of economic stability that allows greater emphasis to be placed on social discipline, public safety and the well-being of the people.

Mazlan said the enforcement of the Online Safety Act, tighter traffic laws and the introduction of community service penalties aim to shape a more responsible and disciplined society, in line with rising living standards and global developments.

“This is an important consolidation phase to ensure that economic development progresses in tandem with security assurances, healthy living and a more orderly social environment,” he said.

Commenting on the social impact, he said stricter enforcement is expected to influence public perceptions and behaviour, including improving road safety and protecting vulnerable groups such as children from online threats.

He added that the experience of developed countries shows consistent enforcement can educate society to be more compliant with regulations and more aware of personal and public safety.

-- BERNAMA