The ‘No Plastic Bag’ campaign was implemented in Ipoh this month.
MOST local governments in Perak are still in the planning phase to implement the “No Plastic Bag” campaign where 20sen will be charged for a plastic bag on Saturdays.
Perak local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said only Ipoh City Council (MBI) had started charging the fee since early this month.
Kerian District Council and the Larut, Matang and Selama District Council would start charging the 20sen next month, she said.
Ng says most councils will start the campaign by next month
Ng said the remaining local councils were still in various stages of planning.
“Taiping Municipal Council is currently conducting engagement and town hall sessions with business owners.
“It is expected to implement the 20sen fee for plastic bags in July.
“Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council is now identifying business premises and getting their owners involved in the engagement session as well as registration process,” she told StarMetro.
She added that the Kuala Kangsar council planned to implement the campaign in January next year.
Ng said Teluk Intan Municipal Council had started engaging with business owners this month.
“The briefing and dialogue will be held in stages until August, while registration for the campaign is expected to be implemented in December,” she added.
The Federal Government had in May announced that the use of plastic bags would be phased out in two years across all businesses, including roadside stalls.
Shoppers either use their own bag or pay 20sen for a plastic bag on Saturdays. — Filepic
Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the “No Plastic Bag” campaign that began gradually in stores with fixed locations such as supermarkets, would be extended to other business premises, with a total ban by 2025.
Tanjung Malim District Council (MDTM) Cleanliness, Licensing and Town Services head Siti Aida Rasidi met with 87 local business operators on June 1.
Among those present were representatives of supermarkets, sundry shops, eateries, pharmacies and petrol stations.
Siti Aida also visited several eateries in town to promote and explain the campaign to traders.
She said customers should be encouraged to bring their own bags and discouraged from using single-use plastics.
MDTM councillor R. Cures said it was important for people to support the campaign.
He said there were incidents where single-use plastic bags were burned after being used.
“This could cause air pollution and be harmful to health,” he said, adding that using fewer plastic bags was better for the environment and everyone’s well-being.
