Given the high amount of plastic bags that Malaysians use on a regular basis, the government has decided to join forces with several retail chains in tackling the problem.
As reported by The Star, a total of 16 retail chains across the country will be taking part in the government’s goal to eliminate single-use plastics by 2030.
No more plastic bags at 16 retails chains
Speaking to reporters at the 1 Utama shopping mall yesterday (Sept 26), Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the move was part of the ministry’s “Say No to Single-Use Plastics” campaign.
Under this campaign, the 16 retail chains, which have close to 8,000 outlets nationwide, will no longer be providing single-use plastic bags to customers starting Oct 1.
The participating chains are 7-Eleven, 99 Speed Mart, AEON Big: AEON, Econsave, Giant, Cold Storage and Mercato; Guardian, KK Mart, Lotus, Lulu, Mydin, TF-Value Mart, The Store, Watsons, emart24, and NSK Trade City.
“This effort will help reduce as much as 200 million single-use plastics in Malaysia per year and we encourage everyone to bring their own grocery bags.
“We do not own the Earth but are only borrowing it, hence it is everyone’s responsibility to make this campaign a success,” he said.
Aside from the retail chains, the Malaysia Retailers Association, Malaysia Retail Chain Association, Malaysia Complex Management Association and 1 Utama Shopping Centre have also pledged to join the campaign.
Over RM2bil spent to manage public waste
Aside from the environmental toll levied due to single-use plastics, Nga added that the government spent more than RM2 billion annually to manage waste disposal sites and maintain public cleanliness.
He also added that Malaysians produced 14.5 million tonnes of waste every year, posting a huge challenge in national waste management efforts.
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