SABAK BERNAM, Aug 23 — The state government will enforce a ban on the use of plastic bags for three days, from Friday to Sunday, at all premises beginning next year.
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the Selangor Legal Department is currently in the final stage of reviewing laws related to enforcement, including drafting the gazettement of new guidelines.
“We are concerned that if this is implemented without proper legal authority, not everyone will comply. The Legal Department is expected to complete drafting the ban by the end of this year.
“That is why the four-series Plastic-Free Carnival campaign was organised, not only to raise awareness among the public and agencies but also to prepare for the upcoming ban,” she said.
Jamaliah was speaking after officiating the third series of the Plastic-Free Campaign at Pengkalan Sabak today.
She added that the state government is also studying a proposal to increase the plastic bag charge to encourage more consumers to bring their own reusable bags.
“The new rate is still under review, and proposals from my office will first be brought to the State Executive Council (MMKN) so that other executive councillors can provide input on the best rate for implementation,” Jamaliah said.
Simultaneously, her office is finalising the enforcement of a ban on polystyrene and plastic straws as an additional condition for business licence applications.
“The state administration has also approved a circular prohibiting the use of single-use plastics in government buildings,” Jamaliah said.
All these proposed policies, legal measures, monitoring and enforcement initiatives are part of Selangor’s target to achieve zero single-use plastics by 2030.
“The process of drafting by-laws to coordinate the implementation of Plastic Bag-Free Days across Selangor's 12 local authorities are also in their final stages,” she said.
