Malacca to closely monitor 'No Plastic Bag' initiative

The Malacca state government is closely monitoring the 'no plastic bag' initiative which came into force in the state on Jan 1 and will conduct periodic monitoring on all premises to ensure its effective implementation.

State Education, Higher Education, Science, Technology, Green Technology, and Innovations Committee chairman, Datuk Md Yunos Husin said the maximum fine of RM250 would be imposed on traders who failed to comply with the enforcement notice issued by the relevant authorities.

"For the past one year, the state government has been providing information on the initiative through various announcements made to traders.

"This initiative is not to burden the people but to improve their quality of life and help reduce pollution caused by the use of plastic, thus preserving the green environment that we have now," he told reporters yesterday.

Md Yunos, who had earlier conducted a survey on the 'no plastic bag everyday' implementation at a shopping centre in Peringgit, here said traders in the state were only allowed to use biodegradable bags.

"We also hope that the people who want to buy goods in supermarkets or any shops will also bring along their reusable bags to show their support for the government's effort," he said.

A Bernama survey conducted at several business areas in the state found that consumers were not aware that the enforcement had begun today and they had to carry their purchased items without a plastic bag.

Nur Syahidah Sapee, 26, said the enforcement was not a big problem for her as the state had implemented 'No-Plastic Bag Days' on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday, since last year.

"It seems difficult to practice but the public needs to be aware of the importance of the 'No Plastic Bag Day' and should give full support to the Malacca government," said the civil servant.

Mohd Salleh Abd Majid, 60, said the implementation of the initiative would help reduce environmental pollution in the state, however traders were asked to provide other alternatives such as paper bags to facilitate buyers in carrying their purchased items.