Today Online 29 Nov 08;
KOTA BARU — In a bid to be environmentally friendly, the Malaysian government is now studying the idea of banning the use of plastic bags at wet markets andsupermarkets.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry may recommend that customers bring their own bags when they go shopping for their groceries, according to a report in The Star.
Deputy Minister Maznah Mazlan said the ministry is considering the move because of concerns over global warming.
Ms Maznah said that all Malaysians need to support such a measure, although enforcement will be needed.
She made her remarks just before presenting a talk on climate change to 100 non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“There is a chance of adopting this move. Now, the Government is stepping up efforts to generate awareness about environmental issues.
“If there is a consensus, we can move ahead. For now, there are some supermarket operators in Kuala Lumpur who have introduced a policy whereby shoppers who want to use plastic bags have to purchase them,” she said.
Ms Maznah praised the efforts of these supermarkets in taking such positive steps to curb pollution, since plastic bags are non-biodegradable.
However, the deputy minister could not reveal when the ban would take place, since the study was still ongoing.
