Malaysia Plans to Phase Out Plastic Bags Within Two Years

Malaysia’s “No Plastic Bag” campaign, which began in shops and supermarkets, is to be extended to other business premises, with a total ban on the use of plastic bags targeted for 2025.

Speaking at a reusable bag and no plastic bag campaign launch, Malaysia’s Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the use of plastic bags will be phased out within two years across all businesses, including roadside stalls.

He added that the campaign, led by state governments, was one of Malaysia’s long-term plans to address pollution caused by single-use plastic waste.

Malaysian online news platform The Star said the Malaysian states of Selangor, Penang, Johor and Negri Sembilan are among the states that will organise the campaign.

Nazmi added that the government’s strategy was not just to fine offenders but also to provide an incentive to encourage the transition.

“We have given state governments and local authorities the flexibility to decide on the manner of implementing the ban, taking into account their individual local needs.”

“Plastic waste management is a significant issue in this nation, with Malaysia being one of the top 10 nations worldwide with this issue.”

He said that a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report stated that Malaysia had used 148,000 metric tonnes of plastic for food packaging in 2020 alone. “This is not a record to be proud of,” he said.

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