Kuala lumpur: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming expressed sadness over the irresponsible actions of some visitors who left Dataran Merdeka littered with rubbish after watching a live screening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final early today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nga Kor Ming lamented the state of cleanliness at the historic site, questioning when Malaysians would learn to maintain their surroundings. He emphasized that, despite Malaysia's nearly 70 years of independence and widespread education, the habit of littering persists. "Our country has been independent for almost 70 years. Everyone has gone to school. When will we learn to keep our surroundings clean?" he asked in a Facebook post.

The minister's comments came after more than 25,000 football fans filled Dataran Merdeka to watch the final match, which saw Spain defeat Argentina 1-0. The event, meant to be a celebration of the sport, was marred by the aftermath of rubbish strewn across the venue, leading to Nga's heartfelt appeal for better public behavior.

Nga's message was a reminder of the ongoing struggle to instill civic consciousness among Malaysians and the need for continuous efforts to promote environmental responsibility.