By Aida Nyan
SEPANG, May 25 — The first series of the Selangor government’s plastic-free campaign in Bagan Lalang kicked off with a more laidback approach, though without compromising its message about the dangers of single-use plastic to the environment, public health, and ecosystem.
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the Selangor administration is committed to reducing plastic use through a campaign that is not only informative, but also interactive and fun.
“We don’t just want a boring campaign like a class lesson, so we have organised a programme with a fun run and food booths for various segments of the community, especially youth,” she said.
Jamaliah was speaking after launching a recycling programme in Pantai Bagan Lalang here yesterday.
She praised the organisers for banning single-use plastic at the event.
Earlier, Jamaliah partook in a launch gimmick by signing a “KitarEnd Plastik” monument, witnessed by Sepang Municipal Council president Mohamad Shah Osmin.
She said the monument, a replica of a plastic bottle, spreads awareness and serves as a reminder of plastic pollution in Bagan Lalang.
Jamaliah added that this year, four main iterations of the event will be held, involving local authorities, education institutions, non-governmental organisations, and local communities.
The second leg of the event will be held in Klang in July.
“The main goal for each leg of the event is to spread awareness and bring creative ideas to government leaders and agencies. If we want to achieve our plastic-free policy by 2026, action must start now,” she said.
The Plastic-Free Campaign in Bagan Lalang was attended by more than 1,900 people and volunteers, aged six to 70.
It featured various activities including a 3km run, tree-planting programme, trash-picking segment, booths from government and non-governmental agencies, and a fashion show of garments made from recyclables.
[caption id="attachment_402170" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin visits a booth after launching a plastic-free campaign at Pantai Bagan Lalang, Sepang, on May 24, 2025. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Meanwhile, Jamaliah said the state administration is looking into increasing charges for single-use plastic as an early step to implement a ban on the item by January 2026.
She said the move is being discussed, with an announcement expected soon.
“We received feedback that the 20 sen charge was too low for the community to take the matter seriously.
“Several suggestions are being considered, including by raising the charge as Penang did, whose implementation has been more progressive,” she added.
Jamaliah also said the plastic bag ban on certain days is being considered.
“If this policy is finalised, traders won’t be allowed to give customers plastic bags, even with the 50 sen or RM1 charge.”
She said that from 2010 to March 2025, RM22 million was collected statewide through the plastic bag charge rule.
Jamaliah added that the money was used to hold programmes and campaigns about the dangers of single-use plastic.
“I hope this collection dwindles, because if it keeps climbing, it means many out there are still using plastic.”
She said Jamaliah urged any party that can supply food and drink containers made of environmentally friendly materials to come forward and support the effort.
Jamaliah said she hopes the Plastic-Free Campaign could be the starting point of a more comprehensive green transformation for Selangor.
