KAJANG: The government has issued a circular to all its agencies in federal and state levels preventing the usage of single-use plastics in all official functions.
Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry’s deputy secretary-general Dr K Nagulendran said this was part of the ‘Roadmap Towards Zero Single-use Plastics 2018-2030’ project.
“We have 1.6 million civil servants and so we feel that the government need to take the lead.
“We are very encouraged that they will not be using mineral waters, plastic wraps and others. It will all be stopped,” he told a press conference at the Greentech Malaysia at Bandar Baru Bangi here today.
The ‘Roadmap Towards Zero Single-use Plastics 2018-2030’ project consists of three phases. The first phase is focused on plastic bags and straws usage where state governments have been asked to charge shoppers for plastic bags.
According to Nagulendran, the collection would then be used by state governments to clean up the environment.
“In the first phase, we are also intensifying our research where the ministry recently came out with three grants to look at bio-resin.
“The country is blessed with huge amounts of biodiversity and biomass. So there is a potential to move towards alternative polymers that are friendly to the environment,” he added.
The second phase of the project is expected to kick start in 2022 where more effective biodegradable materials would be introduced to the public.
Nagulendran added that the ministry would be working together with the Housing and Local Government Ministry in an effort to create awareness among the public on plastic usage.
“We need to change the people’s mind-set on the usage of plastic and show them an alternative way such as bringing their own bags and containers.
“Eventually, it will become a lifestyle,” he said.