IPOH: The ban on single-use plastic bags in Perak will come into force on March 1, says Perak environment committee chairman Teh Kok Lim.
He said businesses in the state would no longer be allowed to sell single-use plastic bags for 20 sen, adding that those who defy the ban will face enforcement action.
"If they want to sell bags, they must offer reusable ones," he told reporters after officiating the launch of the MS Plastics Sustainability Centre here on Saturday (Jan 24).
Teh said the 20 sen charge for single-use plastic bags was a public awareness measure and not to collect money.
On the issue of compliance, Teh said many businesses, especially supermarkets, were prepared but said a change in consumers' mindsets on using plastic bags was crucial.
He also said it was important for the public to improve recycling and waste separation habits.
The ban on single-use plastic bags in Perak was supposed to start on Jan 1 but was deferred to March 1.
A six-month transition period will follow and the ban will be fully enforced starting Sept 1.
