IPOH, Nov 28 — Perak plans to implement a full ban on single-use plastic luggage beginning January 1, 2026, the State Legislative Meeting was advised right this moment.
State Science, Setting and Inexperienced Know-how Committee chairman Lim Kok Teh stated the matter is at present beneath assessment by the State Financial Planning Unit (UPEN) for last approval.
“The federal government is planning to implement a complete ban on plastic bag as a result of restricted effectiveness of the present plastic cost system, which requires shopper to pay RM0.20 per plastic bag,” he stated.
Lim was responding to oral questions requested by Pasir Pinji assemblyman Goh See Hua relating to the state authorities effort to scale back single-use plastic luggage, and challenges confronted.
Lim defined that the Perak authorities authorized the ‘No Plastic Bag Marketing campaign’ on August 10, 2022, permitting native councils to cost for plastic luggage each Saturday, following official pointers.
“The marketing campaign started in January 2023 in Ipoh, Taiping, Teluk Intan, and Kuala Kangsar metropolis councils, and was rolled out throughout all native authorities on June, 15, 2023.
“The cost goals to scale back single-use plastic bag utilization and encourage residents to convey their very own reusable luggage.
“Plastic bag expenses collected by all native council totalled RM204,238.80 in 2023, rising to RM597,348.80 in 2024.
“From January to September 2025, RM361,510.60 was collected, bringing the whole because the marketing campaign started to RM1.16 million from 598 premises,” he stated.
Lim stated rising collections recommend low public consciousness concerning the environmental and well being impacts of single-use plastics.
“The present cost of RM0.20 per bag can be thought of too low to considerably have an effect on shopper behaviour,” stated.
Lim additionally famous that the state authorities is going through a number of challenges in lowering the utilization of plastic luggage.
“Among the many challenges are low consciousness the place rising plastic bag expenses present that many, particularly in rural areas, nonetheless don’t perceive the environmental and well being dangers of single-use plastics.
“The federal government additionally wants dedication from companies, small merchants, market distributors, and native communities. Full compliance requires ongoing advocacy.
“Whereas everlasting outlets can adapt, moist and night time markets lack reasonably priced and protected packaging choices, making a complete ban tougher to implement,” he stated.
Lim stated the federal government is dedicated to lowering plastic use by public training, consciousness campaigns, advocacy efforts, and stricter measures, culminating within the whole ban on single-use plastic luggage subsequent yr.
