A TikTok video of a man cleaning up litter at a public rest stop sparks praise and debate on civic responsibility in Malaysia.
A man has received widespread praise online after a video showed him cleaning up rubbish left behind by others at a public rest stop, sparking discussions on civic awareness and personal responsibility.
The video was shared on TikTok by @zackzakijf and has since garnered more than 121,900 views, 2,400 likes and 156 comments.
“Civic awareness about maintaining cleanliness is a responsible attitude that ensures our surroundings remain clean, healthy and comfortable for the well-being of everyone. It includes practices such as disposing of rubbish properly, keeping public areas clean and fostering concern for the environment,” he wrote in the caption.
The video showed the man collecting discarded food packaging, drink containers and other rubbish that had been left on a public table and the surrounding area.
Many viewers praised him for taking the initiative to clean up despite the mess not being his responsibility.
“I pray that this brother who picks up other people’s rubbish is blessed with good health and that all his affairs in this world and the next are made easy. Amin,” commented @ady.
“What a good man. Handsome too. Relaxed and so cool. Not even saying any harsh words. May Allah bless him with sustenance from all directions. Thank you, brother, for teaching me, and everyone watching this video, a valuable lesson,” @Underscore added.
User @_whiterosess expressed disappointment at the behaviour of those who left the rubbish behind.
“At home, it must be their parents who clean up after them,” she commented.
“There is no civic awareness,” wrote @Ustaz Zam.
“It’s sad. It should be their own responsibility, but they lack self-discipline,” said @mekna.
Some hoped the video would encourage litterbugs to reflect on their actions.
“I hope the people who left the rubbish see this video and become more self-aware,” commented @Aman bin Haron.
“It’s fine if you want to eat and enjoy yourself, but do it responsibly. Please maintain cleanliness,” wrote @Brother77.
User @Adlina mummy omarhana shared how she deals with rubbish when bins are unavailable.
“Wherever I go, I always keep rubbish bags in my handbag or car. No matter where we are, we should maintain cleanliness,” she said.
“This shows how important it is to have a sense of responsibility. Whenever I eat outside like this, if there’s no rubbish bin, I tie everything up properly and take it home or look for a bin. Sometimes I wonder how people can leave food containers behind like this without feeling guilty at all,” @Sha Ami also shared.
Meanwhile, some pointed out that the problem goes beyond the availability of rubbish bins.
“Sometimes I really don’t understand our people. Even if there’s no rubbish bin, is it that difficult to clean up after yourself and throw it away when you get home? So frustrating,” wrote @Ama.
“It’s already 2026 and people are still like this. Really terrible. Just take your rubbish home,” added @Hari Khamis.
