Plastic-bag ban in Malaysia: Negri may ban plastic bags

The Star 14 Nov 10;

SEREMBAN: The state government is considering making it a condition that all businesses – from hypermarkets to pasar malam traders – do not use plastic bags on stipulated days as part of their licensing requirement.

Their licences will either be revoked or the traders will be fined if they do not adhere to the condition.

The state authorities had no choice but to take drastic measures to reduce the use of plastic bags, said state Housing, Local Government, New Villages and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Siow Chen Pin said.

“We are happy that five big businesses here have started the ball rolling by not using plastic bags on Saturdays.

“We want to extend this to the markets, pasar malam, mini-markets and smaller businesses as well,” he said.

Siow was speaking to reporters after launching the “Day Without Plastic Bags” campaign at Carrefour here.

The other businesses which have decided against giving out free plastic bags on Saturdays are Tesco, Jusco, Giant and Econsave.

Siow said he would also get the more than 1,000 traders at the wet market here to adhere to the ruling.

“We want to educate as many people as possible on the adverse effects plastic has on the environment.

“Since it is not biodegradable, it can take up to 400 years to disintegrate and we all know how hazardous it is to our surroundings,” he said.

He added that many governments had taken similar steps after realising the damage plastic could cause to the environment.

“We want Malaysians to go back to basics ... you either take the rattan bag to the market or use green bags which are easily biodegradable,” he said.

Siow said plastic was a petroleum by-product and the demand for fossil fuel would drop if demand for plastic fell.

He added if plastic was burnt, it would release a carcinogen into the air. Similarly, toxins from plastic could also pollute underground water resources.

NGOs urged to show support for state’s no plastic bag ruling
The Star 13 Nov 10;

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Penang to speak up in support of the no plastic bag ruling daily from Jan 1.

Facing the heat from plastic manufacturers, he said the NGOs must now “cakap serupa bikin” (practise what is preached).

“We have done what you asked of us by implementing this ruling to reduce plastic bag usage in the state.

“This move could cost us seats (in the next general election) and we have received strong opposition from the public and plastic manufacturers,” he said.

“So, now you (NGOs) must support us and help convince 98% of Penangites that this move is important for the future generation,” he said to reporters here yesterday.

Lim said the public’s support was crucial in ensuring the success of the campaign to reduce plastic bag usage.

“This is not a ban — hawkers and market traders are unaffected.

“Furthermore, consumers can still get plastic bags at the outlets covered by the ruling by paying 20 sen.

“The move is meant to discourage people from taking too many plastic bags when they go out shopping,” he said.

Present at the press conference were representatives from the Friends of Penang Botanic Garden Society (FPBG) and Penang Heritage Trust (PHT).

FPBG vice-president Datuk Tengku Idaura Tengku Ibrahim said the NGOs were in total support of the state’s move.

“We have had many campaigns to encourage the public to recycle,” she said.

PHT spokesman Loh-Lim Lin Lee said feedback from the public was generally positive.

“I assure you, what we’ve heard on the ground is that there’s little protest,” she said.

Lim announced the ruling at last week’s state assembly sitting.

The ruling covers all hypermarkets, supermarkets, departmental stores, pharmacies, fast food restaurants, nasi kandar outlets and convenience stores including chain stores and those at petrol kiosks.

Mini markets and sole proprietorship businesses will also have to adhere to the ruling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in addition to Mondays, before their licences can be renewed.