PETALING JAYA: Effective enforcement and public awareness will be the key to the success relating to the ban on single-use plastic bags at wildlife sanctuaries, heritage sites and certain businesses nationwide, say environmental groups.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia honorary secretary Mageswari Sangaralingam said the ban was a good step forward to preventing plastics from causing damage to the environment.
“Plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose, causing widespread and long-lasting damage to ecosystems and terrestrial environments as it leaches toxic chemicals into the soil.
“As it breaks down, plastics release chemicals, including BPA and phthalates, as well as microplastics, which alter soil composition and threaten microorganisms that are essential for soil fertility.
“They can even leach into groundwater systems, carrying harmful substances, which contaminates drinking water supplies for humans and animals.”
Mageswari added that the ban should be expanded to include all plastic packaging like plastic bottles and containers.
“The ban should look into the legislation on enforcement measures to ensure a sufficient number of enforcement officers to check visitors before entering these areas.”
Ecological Association of Malaysia president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail said there must also be enough public awareness and notices placed around these parks and businesses to inform the public of the ban.
“Local authorities must also provide sufficient facilities and systems for recycling and managing plastics, such as categorised recycling bins.
“Ultimately, the government must encourage more research and adoption of plastic bag alternatives to truly lower plastic waste in the country,” he said.
Ecotourism and Conservation Society Malaysia president Andrew Sebastian said the plastic bag ban would be a good foothold to an eventual ban of plastic in the future.
He said strict enforcement with clear consistent messaging would ensure the public and businesses understand the importance of the ban, eventually helping to stop the use of all plastics.
“Less plastic in the environment protects not just our biodiversity but also improves our local tourism industry as there will be less slow-decaying plastic waste at popular tourist destinations.
“The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry must also engage with plastic manufacturers and give them time to adapt their businesses to more eco-friendly alternatives,” he said.
Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam president Rajesh Nagarajan said the ban will encourage the public to opt for alternatives, such as reusable or biodegradable products.
He said the ban should eventually be extended to all products made out of plastic and provide initiatives to further push the public and businesses away from plastic products.
“This can include economic measures, such as implementing plastic bag taxes and levies, or financial incentives for businesses and promotion of reusable alternatives for the public.”
On April 18, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the use of single-use plastic bags in forest reserves, national or state parks, marine parks, geoheritage sites and geosites nationwide had been prohibited as a proactive measure to reduce plastic pollution in the country.
He said the ban also applied at fixed premises including supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol stations, fast food restaurants, chain stores, pharmacies and other related premises.
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.
He said the method of implementation will be refined and tailored according to each state.
