A woman carrying a reusable bag at Chowrasta Market after the ban on plastic bags in Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
PENANG’S mission to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags began on Sept 1 with the ban applying to many businesses across the state.
The ban is implemented at hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, petrol station shops, pharmacies, fast food outlets and other licensed premises.
However, state environment committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said an education phase would take place until Aug 31, 2026 before enforcement was carried out.
The state’s latest push is the culmination of a journey that began 16 years ago.
In July 2009, Penang became the first state in Malaysia to launch a “No Free Plastic Bag” campaign, requiring hypermarkets and supermarkets to stop giving out plastic bags for free.
In November the same year, the policy was extended to cover three days a week.
Penang took a bolder step in 2011 by introducing a “No Free Plastic Bag Every Day” rule for major retailers.
Customers had to pay if they wanted a bag, a move that quickly set the state apart as a pioneer in green policy.
The Federal Government followed suit in 2011 with a national No Plastic Bag Day every Saturday, but Penang maintained its all-week model.
Over the years, Penang reinforced the policy through charges and awareness campaigns.
In 2018, the state aligned with Malaysia’s Roadmap to Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030, broadening its focus beyond bags to include plastic straws, cutlery and packaging.
By 2021, Penang recalibrated its approach and plastic bags were banned every Monday to Wednesday, while from Thursday to Sunday, shoppers were charged RM1 per bag.
The message is clear – using plastic has to come at a cost.
