The government aims to eliminate the use of plastic bags in all premises and business sectors nationwide by 2025.
According to a report by Harian Metro, the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad shared that the implementation has been done in phases starting at physical stores before gradually moving to business premises such as stalls and roadside traders.
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“We have given space to the state governments and local authorities (PBTs) because they have their own context.”
“Our approach is not just fines (if traders still supply plastic bags in 2025), on the contrary, there are incentives in encouraging the transition. Details about it will be announced from time to time,” he said.
Additionally, he explained that 4 states namely Selangor, Penang, Johor and Negeri Sembilan, are ahead in the implementation of the plastic bag free campaign.
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The purpose of the campaign is a part of the government’s long-term plan to deal with the issue of single-use plastic waste pollution in Malaysia.
“Plastic waste is a big problem in this country and Malaysia is even among the 10 countries in the world facing the problem of unmanaged plastic waste. Based on a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report, the estimated consumption of plastic food packaging alone in Malaysia has reached 148,000 metric tons, for the year 2020.”
“This is not a record to be proud of.”
It’s amazing to see how the authorities are finally trying to done something about a problem that has severely affected our environment.
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