By Norrasyidah Arshad
HULU SELANGOR, Oct 13 — Charging 20 sen for plastic bags is the only control and awareness method employed by the state government to reduce single-use plastic.
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the accumulated fees are used to organise environment-centred programmes including recycling activities and water, forest and sea resource conservation events.
Jamaliah said local authorities support the state government in conserving the natural ecosystem.
“(Local) councils encourage businesses to provide recyclable bags sold at affordable prices or use biodegradable plastic bags, while local authorities promote ‘plastic free’ campaigns at each event and give out reusable bags to the people,” she said when met at the Selangor Environmental Carnival 2024 at Taman Tasik Millenium here today.
She said local authorities also organise “bring your own bag” campaigns to Ramadan bazaars during the fasting month.
“They provide incentives in the form of coupons to bazaar visitors who bring their own bags,” she added.
In July, Jamaliah said RM38 million has been collected from 2020 to 2023 from charging 20 sen per plastic bag.
