IPOH: Perak plans to implement a full ban on single-use plastic bags starting Jan 1 next year, says state executive councillor Teh Kok Lim.
The state Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman said this is due to the limited effectiveness of the current plastic charge system.
Teh, however, said the matter is under review by the state Economic Planning Unit (Upen) for final approval.
He said for now the state government faces several challenges in reducing the usage of plastic bags.
“Among the challenges is low awareness, especially in rural areas, where folks remain unaware of the environmental and health risks of single-use plastics.
“Securing support from businesses, small traders, hawkers, and communities requires ongoing advocacy.
“Lack of alternatives at wet and night markets, lack of safe and affordable substitutes make enforcement difficult without coordinated solutions,” he said at the state assembly sitting here Friday (Nov 28).
He was replying to Goh See Hua (PH- Pasir Pinji) who asked what has the state government done to reduce single-use plastic bags, and challenges faced.
Teh said the government is committed to reducing plastic use through public education, awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts, and stricter measures, culminating in the total ban on single-use plastic bags next year.
He said the collection of fees from purchase of plastic reported by all local authorities in Perak in 2023 amounted to RM204,238.80, and this increased to RM597,348.80 in 2024.
“From January to September this year, RM361,510.60 has been collected, bringing the total plastic fees collected at RM1,163,098.20 from 598 premises charging customers for plastic bags.
“The increase in plastic usage fee collection in 2024 compared to the previous year, and the relatively high collection up to September 2025, indicates a lack of public awareness and sensitivity regarding single-use plastics and their negative impact on the environment and health.
“In addition, the imposition of a 20 sen fee per plastic bag is considered very low and does not have a significant financial impact on consumers,” he said.
