THE government’s ban on the import of plastic waste and recent action taken by the authorities against the import of plastic waste into the country must be lauded.
Efforts must be made to monitor the problem and action taken must be sustainable.
The authorities must take stern action against those who import, store or process plastic waste by revoking their business licence. They must walk the talk by compelling their staff and contractors to stop using single-use plastic bags.
This is important since the government has worked hard to educate the public and raise awareness on the danger of plastic pollution.
In many areas in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, large garbage bags are being used to collect twigs, leaves and other garden refuse before they are disposed of.
What baffles city dwellers is that these plastic bags are in public view and used by contractors who are given the task to clear the roadside and dividers of such debris. This is sending the wrong message to the public.
The people, in particular consumers, are discouraged from using plastic bags by making them pay 20 sen for each plastic bag purchased at retail outlets in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. There is a suggestion that the fee be raised to 50 sen.
While this is a step in the right direction to discourage the use of plastic bags in the long-term interest of our environment, it must be fair and just.
If the authorities want to discourage the public from using plastic bags or products, they must also ensure that contractors set a good example by refraining from using plastic bags.
The public is questioning why the authorities are allowing the use of plastic bags by cleaning contractors when the public is asked to pay for using such bags.
Plastic pollution is a global problem that we must address using a holistic and sustainable method.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Kuala Lumpur