SHAH ALAM: Four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Selangor are calling on the state government to review the 20 sen charge to consumers for every plastic bag they request when shopping.
The organisations – Kota Raja 4B Alumni Association (KR4B Alumni), Selangor Hindu and Social Association, Kelab Harmoni Selangor and NGO Bureau of Shah Alam Umno – said the charge only adds to consumers’ financial burdens, while business operators get to increase their profits.
KR4B Alumni deputy chairman Muhd Ali Zakaria said the PKR-led state government must be sincere in imposing the ban on plastic bags, and not victimise consumers who now have to pay more when shopping.
"If the state government wants to put a stop to the use of plastic bags, why not impose a total ban on them and get all retailers to shift to paper bags?
"Now, customers are required to pay 20 sen for each plastic bag, and the money goes to the business operators, increasing their profit. This is not fair," Muhd Ali told reporters when met in front of a supermarket chain outlet at Section 18 here this morning.
He was among 20 NGO representatives who went there to meet with consumers and get their feedback on the 20 sen charge.
Shah Alam Umno NGO Bureau chairman Datuk Nor Hisham Ses said they have no problem with the state government's ban on plastic bags, but they feel it should not be done in a way that burdens the public.
"We totally support the state government's move to ban plastic bags, as it is a step to save our environment.
"But the 20 sen charge is a burden to consumers. There should be other alternatives to this problem, like replacing plastic bags with environmentally-friendly materials for shoppers to carry their purchased items in.
"It is also not fair to charge consumers for using plastic bags when retailers and manufacturers who use it to package their products are not subjected to the same charge," he said.
Nor Hisham added that they hope the state government would review their decision and find a solution that would be beneficial to the environment and also consumers.