PUTRAJAYA: The use of single-use plastic bags in forest reserves, national and state parks, marine parks, geoheritage sites and geosites, as well as certain business premises nationwide, is now prohibited, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (pic).
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister said the move is a proactive measure to reduce plastic pollution in the country.
He said the decision was agreed upon during the meeting of Environment Ministers and State Executive Councillors Responsible for the Environment (Mexcoe) No. 1/2025 held in Putrajaya on Thursday.
“This ban on the use of single-use plastic bags will also apply at fixed premises such as supermarkets and convenience stores – including those at petrol stations – fast food restaurants, chain stores, pharmacies and other related premises,” he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
Nik Nazmi said each state will customise and refine the implementation method.
In addition, he said the federal and state governments will strengthen cooperation to combat the growing number of illegal e-waste processing activities in the country, driven by the influx of illegal e-waste imports.
He said firm action will be taken against unlicenced premises involved in illegal e-waste processing in their respective states.
“This is to ensure strict enforcement and to send a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated,” he said.
Nik Nazmi also said he was optimistic the decisions made during the Mexcoe meeting would positively impact the country’s ecosystem and position Malaysia as a serious player in addressing global environmental challenges.
