IPOH: Perak is expected to see a full ban on single-use plastic bags by Jan 1, says state executive councillor Teh Kok Lim.
The state science, environment and green technology committee chairman said the state government is mulling the ban due to the limited effectiveness of the current plastic charge system.
Teh said the matter is under review by the state Economic Planning Unit (Upen) for final approval, adding that the state government currently faces several challenges in reducing the use of plastic bags.
“Challenges include low awareness, especially in rural areas, where folks remain unaware of the environmental and health risks of single-use plastics.
“Wet and night markets lack safe, affordable substitutes, making full enforcement difficult without coordinated solutions,” he said at the state assembly sitting here yesterday.
Teh was replying to Goh See Hua (PH-Pasir Pinji), who asked what has the state government done to reduce single-use plastic bags, and the challenges faced.
Teh added that the government is committed to reducing plastics 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 bags reported by all local authorities in 2023 amounted to RM204,238.80, and this increased to RM597,348.80 last year.
“From January to September this year, RM361,510.60 has been collected, bringing the total fees collected to RM1,163,098.20 from 598 premises charging customers for plastic bags.
“The increase in plastic usage fee collection (in 2024 and this year), indicates a lack of public awareness and sensitivity regarding its use and the negative impact on the environment and health,” he said.
