Based on a study done in 2009, around 8 billion plastic bags have been used in Malaysia. Being the most populated and urbanised state in the country, we can assume that Selangor is a major contributor to that statistic. That is why the state government initiated the “No Plastic Bag Day” campaign. We are targeting a 20% reduction in the usage of plastic bags within 6 months.
For the first three months of the campaign, January to March, we will focus mainly on educating consumers and expanding retailer participation. Following that, we will consider making participation a licensing condition and study the possibility of increasing the frequency of the “No Plastic Bag Day” per week.
We are happy to announce that the number of participating retailers and malls have increased to 25 from the initial 12. Many more have also expressed interest and we are in the midst of finalising their participation.
The state government will also be meeting the Malaysian Retailers Association, Malaysian Retailer-Chains Association and Malaysian Plastic Manufacturer Association to get their support for the campaign.
The Selangor state government takes the campaign very seriously. We have received reports of participants in the campaign that are not fully compliant of the agreement. While we understand that some teething problems are inevitable, we urge all participants who wish to remain part of the campaign to adhere to the agreed-upon conditions, including the 20 sen charge for each plastic bag.
Finally, in order to propagate this campaign effectively, the state government has created a Web site for the public to get more information. Campaign materials in all major languages are available on the site, while retailers interested in participating in the campaign can download the declaration form as well.
Web site URL: http://www.selangor.gov.my/haritanpabegplastik/
Telephone number: 03-55447760
Fax number: 03-55193328
Email address: [email protected]
YB Elizabeth Wong
Selangor EXCO for Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment
Participation list:
1. Giant Supermarket
2. IKANO Pte Ltd (IKEA)
3. 99 Speedmart Sdn Bhd
4. Guardian Pharmacy
5. Farmasi Vitacare Sdn Bhd
6. Watson’s Personal Care Store Sdn Bhd
7. Caring Pharmacy Sdn Bhd
8. The Store Corporation Berhad
9. Parkson Corporation Sdn Bhd
10. 7 Eleven Malaysia Sdn Bhd
11. AEON CO (M) Bhd (Jaya Jusco)
12. Aoneplus Supplies & Services Sdn Bhd
13. Tesco Stores (M) Sdn Bhd
14. Tropicana Life Sdn Bhd
15. Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad
16. Planete Enfants Sdn Bhd
17. IT Hyperstore (M) Sdn Bhd
18. Tien Health Development (M) Sdn Bhd
19. 1 Utama Shopping Centre
20. Sunway Pyramid
21. Subang Parade
22. Golden Screen Cinema Sdn Bhd
23. Econsave Cash & Carry Sdn Bhd
24. Carrefour Malaysia
25. HSL E & E Corp (M) Sdn Bhd