KLANG: The government is targeting zero use of plastic bags at all premises and sectors of trade and commerce across the country by the year 2025.
Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, said that thus far, implementation would be carried out in phases with fixed premises before shifting in stages to business premises including roadside shops and stalls.
"It's just that in terms of implementation, charging rates to be incurred and the frequency of collection submission are concerned, we have given some space to the state governments and local authorities because they have their very own context.
"Our approach is not just issuing fines and compounds, as there will be traders who still supply plastic bags in 2025. However, there will be incentives to encourage the transition away from using plastic bags.
"Further details and information will be announced from time to time," he said during the press conference after launching the Madani reusable, recyclable bag and the no plastic bag campaign at Wisma 99 Speed Mart here earlier today.
Also present was 99 Speed Mart Sdn Bhd's managing director Lee Thiam Wah.
Nik Nazmi said four states, namely Selangor, Pulau Pinang, Johor and Negri Sembilan, were already ahead in terms of implementing the plastic bag free campaign.
He said that the campaign was part of the government's long term plan to address the issue of single use plastic waste pollution in the country.
"Plastic waste is a huge problem in this country and in fact Malaysia is sadly among 10 countries in the world facing the problem of mismanagement of plastic waste, or a severe lack of management.
"Based on the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report, the estimate on the use of plastic food containers in Malaysia alone reached 148,000 metric tonnes in 2020.
"This is not a record to be proud of," he said.