SEREMBAN: All local authorities in Negri Sembilan have been told to aggressively enforce a rule banning the use of single-use plastic bags, straws and polystyrene, says state exco member J. Arul Kumar.
The state local government development, housing and transport committee chairman said it was time the rule was enforced as sufficient time has been set aside to educate the people through campaigns, including on social media.
“It has been more than three years since the decision was announced in areas that came under Seremban and almost two years ago in other areas.
"Reminders were also sent out and the time has come for local authorities to now enforce it," he told reporters after a visit to the Econsave hypermarket here.
Arul said although the Seremban City Council has started issuing compounds since last month, enforcement has to be more aggressive.
He said single-use plastic bags, straws and polystyrene will no longer be allowed in any business establishment including hypermarkets, mini markets, restaurants, retail outlets as well as pasar malam.
Petty traders and hawkers will also have to adhere to this.
Arul said there was no reason to delay enforcement further as local authorities had stated this as one of the conditions when approving licences since May 1, 2023.
He said only biodegradable and compostable plastics or those made out of paper, cloth or any material such as low-density polyethylene and polypropylene were allowed to be used.
Businesses are also not allowed to charge for biodegradable and compostable plastic bags.
"The use of oxo-degradable or photodegradable plastic bags is strictly prohibited as these can adversely affect humans and animals when it gets into the food chain when undergoing decomposition.
"Based on checks carried out by the authorities, many businesses including the bigger ones are still using these types of plastic bags and this has to stop immediately," he said.
Arul said the ban on single-use plastics has been put in place as the material was hazardous to the environment.
The irresponsible attitude of some people to indiscriminately dispose of single-use plastic bags into waterways has also resulted in floods.
He said any premises or business which continue to use the single use plastic bags, straw and polystyrene can be slapped with a RM250 compound.
Repeat offenders will have their license revoked and charged in court where the penalties are heavier.
"Businesses which still have old stock of the banned plastics or polystyrene are advised to stop using them immediately as they have been given ample time to switch to safer products," he added.
