Group: Control use of plastic bags

Johor urged to discuss with stakeholders on how much to charge for a bag to discourage consumers from even buying them when out shopping. — Filepic

JOHOR BARU: Johor should emulate other countries which have managed to control the use of plastic bags.

Green Earth Society Johor president P. Sivakumar said many developed nations had done this and that local businesses and consumers must support the move for zero plastic usage as it was a good initiative.

He said in certain countries, retailers were allowed to sell only reusable bags to consumers at a reasonable price as part of measures for zero plastic usage.

“Affordable reusable bags will encourage more users to stop using plastic and bring their own bags when out shopping,” Sivakumar said in response to the Penang government’s move in asking businesses in the state to stop dis­pensing plastic bags on Mondays starting from next month.

The move means customers who forget to bring a bag will not be able to even pay the nominal 20sen charge for one at the check-out counters

The latest move is an expansion of Penang’s initiative towards zero plastic bag usage which began in July 2009 and has since widened to charges of 20sen per bag.

Sivakumar hoped Johor government would discuss with stakeholders on how much to charge for a bag to discourage consumers from even buying them.

“A grace period of three months should be given to all hypermarkets and supermarkets to sell only reusable bags to consumers,” he added.

Johor Consumers Movement Association chairman Md Salleh Sadijo said the zero plastic usage would be good for the state and the environment in the long term.

“We all must play our part to save the environment and make Johor free of plastic and polystyrene,” he said.

Md Salleh also encouraged the public to bring their own bags for grocery shopping.

“Those buying food should consider bringing their own tiffin carriers or food containers,” he said.

He reminded that plastic and polystyrene did not break down naturally and could remain an environmental hazard for hundreds of years, clogging up drains and rivers.