GEORGE TOWN: Going without plastic bags appears to be easy-peasy for Penangites, who are accustomed to keeping reusable cloth bags at home, at work, and even in their cars.
Salesman Leow Hock Chun, 50, said it has become customary for him to bring cloth bags from home when he goes shopping.
“I have been doing this for years, and my car is filled with cloth bags. It has become second nature to me to grab one whenever I step out.
“When the announcement (on the no plastic bag campaign) was made, it made no difference to me as I have been playing my part for years,” he said when met at a popular supermarket in George Town yesterday.
Leow, who had his four-year-old daughter in one hand and his groceries packed in a cloth bag in another, said it was important for him to set a good example for his daughter.
“I am a Penangite and take pride in the fact that my state has implemented the campaign.
“I segregate my waste and always recycle at home.
“It is important to me, as it is good for the environment,” he said.
Housewife Siti Sahara Saari, 52, said she understands the need to bring reusable bags.
“I was not aware that the campaign began today (March 1), but I brought my cloth bags along as I am used to doing so.
“Over the years, I have managed to accumulate a few of these bags and normally have them with me whenever I shop.
“If I forget, I do not mind buying a new one, as supermarkets do not charge much for it,” she said.
Siti Sahara said as long as supermarkets do not raise the prices of reusable bags, she is willing to get one if needed.
“I know we are doing our part for the environment, and it is a good initiative,” she said.
Gama Supermarket and Departmental Store assistant general manager Neoh Kean Bin said they have put up signs at all checkout counters to inform customers of the campaign.
“One sign is standardised, provided by the state government, while the other one encourages people to say no to the use of plastic.
“Our customers are used to bringing their own bags, so we do not expect it to be difficult for them. We do offer cloth bags if needed for a small price,” he said.
Neoh said he expects the transition to be smooth, as most Penangites are environmentally conscious.
As of yesterday, shoppers in Penang are no longer able to obtain plastic checkout bags at the majority of retail stores, regardless of their willingness to pay for them, on any day.
This came after the “Penang No Plastic Bags Every Day Campaign 2025” was launched, marking a bold step towards eliminating plastic bags across the state.
Also known as the “No Plastic Bag 2.0 Campaign” in Penang, it begins with the free distribution of reusable bags to assist people in transitioning to more sustainable practices.
The state government will provide a six-month grace period until Aug 31 to allow businesses and the public to familiarise themselves with the new regulations.
