SELANGOR is reviewing local laws to identify which authority should enforce the phasing out of single-use plastic straws.
“The process of identifying the authority in charge has begun,” said Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
The state public health and environment committee chairman said when it came to the law, a series of discussions was needed.
“This is to ensure there’s no conflict or loophole when it is approved at the Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN) level. We are currently undergoing that process,” she said.
Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin, said the straw ban was an awareness campaign promoted during her tenure as Minister of Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment in 2018.
“We wanted the public to be aware that plastic straws are harmful. Many places, such as cafes, are still giving away biodegradable straws.
“However, places such as mamak stalls may be facing cost-related issues.
“Bigger food and beverage companies are already using biodegradable straws. However, plastic straws are still available due to cost and customer preferences,” she said.
She added that under the Malaysia Plastic Sustainability Roadmap 2021–2030, the single- use plastic straw was among top 10 items listed to be phased out.
“We have to see this in totality and consider the progress we are making. I will certainly bring this matter up in Parliament,” said Yeo.
The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre) events and projects officer said institutionalised changes were needed for a positive outcome.
She called for a bottom-up approach and the empowerment of local authorities to roll out the initiative with incentives.
“Ideas to ban or stop the use of certain items should not be implemented haphazardly; instead, they must be thoroughly thought out,” she said.
Wong added that the issue of overflowing of landfills should be of great concern to all parties.
She said one promising local council was Kota Kinabalu City Hall, which enforced a policy where no plastic bags were provided in shops, and no fee was collected.
“If you want a bag, you have to buy a recyclable one. This encourages people to bring their own bags when shopping,” she said.
Wong hopes data is collected on these initiatives to reduce waste through the ban of single- use plastics, and that it is made publicly accessible.
“Such data is valuable to inform policy drafting,” she said. — By SHEILA SRI PRIYA
