No to plastic bags: Penang, Perak plan more ways to cut use

SINGAPORE — The Malaysian states of Penang and Perak are cracking down on plastic bags, with both set to introduce expanded measures to combat its use, according to media reports.

A report by newspaper The Star on Saturday (June 8) said that operators of fixed premises in Penang — such as hypermarkets, pharmacies, as well as convenience and department stores — would be encouraged not to give plastic bags to shoppers on Mondays from July 1.

Previously, shoppers in Penang could buy plastic bags at RM0.20 (S$0.06) each from such stores. Under the new voluntary initiative, participating businesses will not provide bags even if customers are willing to pay for them.

The policy does not apply to petty hawkers, wet markets and stand-alone businesses.

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) welcomed the move, saying plastics were a bane to the environment.

“From the extraction of raw materials to the production, usage and disposal, it’s a total scourge and should be eliminated entirely," said CAP acting president Mohideen Abdul Kader.

According to The Star, Penang has collected RM8.9 million since its "No Free Plastic Bag" campaign was introduced in 2009, with the money being used to contribute to poverty eradication programmes.

Meanwhile, Perak has plans to expand its "No Plastic Bag" campaign from once a week to three days a week.

A proposal on the campaign’s expansion will be tabled at a state executive council meeting at the end of the month, reported the New Straits Times on Sunday.

The Perak government has no issues with expanding its weekly anti-plastic bag campaign as it protects the environment, said its State Health, Consumer Affairs, National Integration and Human Resources Committee chairman A. Sivanesan.

But the policy’s implementation would need backing from traders and local authorities for it to be successful, he added. AGENCIES