The government has spent huge sums of public funds in trying to educate the public on the importance of caring for our environmental hygiene. There are even anti-littering laws and compounds in place to curb the disgusting littering habits of Malaysians.

Unfortunately, while it is a pleasure to visit some of our neighbouring countries, it is most appalling a sight back home. Littering is 'normal' and litter is everywhere.

Restaurant operators have no qualms in cleaning tables by wiping off food and tissue onto the floor. The trash littering at almost every eatery and the pavements outside tell tales of how popular the outlet is.

Whether it is a popular night spot hugging the vicinity of KLCC or the rows of modern eateries lining urban developments, they are no different from the infamous Chow Kit market square in Kuala Lumpur. Litter is shockingly everywhere.

In most countries, individuals take personal responsibility and pride in ensuring they do not litter indiscriminately. In fact, every table in a restaurant has a trash basket or a bin beneath.

Likewise, it is very easy to spot undamaged litter bins or transparent litter bags all along streets and public areas. In other countries too, business operators go to extremes to ensure their shop fronts are free of garbage.

Unfortunately, despite all the campaigns and billboards screaming to instill and promote anti-litter habits here, we Malaysians remain indifferent.

Not only do we litter without any care, some even will not hesitate to get their adrenalin flowing by damaging litter bins.

Even the garbage collectors have become immune. Just observe the trail of litter they leave behind each time they come on their rounds to relieve your trash bins.

It is indeed a shame. As a nation we are a failure in attitudes and mindset. While other Third World nations are making great efforts in taking personal responsibility for their environment, we continue to be indifferent.

The litter that fills restaurant floors or lines the pavements of urban developments and the kilometers of grass verges all along our main roads and highways confirms the fact that Malaysians are largely irresponsible.

This mania must be plugged and it demands serious enforcement. If education, encouragement and teasing have failed, then strictly and consistently enforcing punishment without prejudice is a final option.

But then again, even to enforce such a stringent measure may be a challenge as the very enforcement people may be an integral part of the litter-mania of Malaysians.

Certainly, the government must address this problem that eventually may be the main cause for an endemic outbreak. And that may be just too late.