Could We Emulate Hanoi’s Clean-up Campaign?

 

Cleanliness is a virtue which should be an inherent part of our human character. This aspect of our lives should not only be confined to our homes but extend to public places. For any city, its cleanliness reflects the positive social character of the people living there. A city with admirable traits like cleanliness reflects its inhabitants’ desire for discipline, civic consciousness and pride, which earns the respect of visitors and tourists. 

From a health standpoint, living in a clean environment cuts the chances of being afflicted by dangerous diseases. An ecosystem that provides clean water and unpolluted air is crucial for fo overall health. Clean places help check the spread of bacteria and viruses responsible for illness or discomfort.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

Recognising these tangible benefits, Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, has embarked on a mission to spruce up the city. To help achieve this goal, it has installed AI-powered surveillance cameras to monitor and deal severely with illegal waste disposal. The authorities have mounted these cameras in several central districts. The initiative is aimed at improving metropolitan cleanliness in the city. It holds offenders responsible for wrongful waste disposal and for delays in rubbish collection. 

Local authorities ensure waste management regulations are complied with through camera footage which identifies the culprits and fines the offenders. The goal is to ensure urban cleanliness. Entrusted with this task is Hanoi’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DoNRE) which implements standardised guidelines, managed cost structures, and bidding procedures for city-wide environmental sanitation projects. The implementation in the city’s central districts includes maintaining clear pedestrian walkways and streets, allowing modern sanitation vehicles to operate efficiently. 

Enforcement commenced on 14 and 15 January 2026 with images of violations captured by AI cameras. They were sent from the Hanoi Police Command Information Centre to the respective police units for verification and processing. This procedure reinforces clarity and caution and helps to deter the problem of violations recurring once enforcement officers leave an area. The surveillance system helps identify issues relating to cleanliness such as prohibited waste disposal, not adhering to the disposal of rubbish at specified times and locations, and not collecting and transporting waste when scheduled. Violators caught on camera face strict penalties, as outlined in Decree 45 of the Vietnamese government. Individuals who dump waste on walkways and roads can be fined between 1m and 2m VND ($40–80). For household waste sorting violations, fines range from 500,000 to 1m VND ($20–40). 

Camera enforcement enables authorities to conduct regular inspections of sanitation contractors responsible for cleaning highways and elevated roads. This is to prevent the accumulation of waste, dust and stagnant water, ensuring a cleaner and healthier urban environment. Effective urban management, using technology to enhance environmental responsibility and improve residents’ quality of life is the thrust of Hanoi’s endeavours. The policies to spruce up the city are forward-looking as they help to ensure cleanliness in the city. 

Can we do that in our cities in Malaysia? 

Reference:

Malaysia’s cities should emulate Hanoi’s clean-up campaign, Benedict Lopez, Aliran, 6 Feb 2026