Malaysia: Gradually transition to biodegradable plastic bags by 2026
On November 7, Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi said that the government expects to completely ban the use of disposable plastic bags by 2026 or earlier, and gradually transition to the use of biodegradable plastic bags.
He said that in order to further reduce the use of disposable plastics, the government has implemented a "user pays" policy to charge a minimum fee of 20 cents for traditional plastic bags in stores.
He said the policy was first implemented by Penang, followed by Selangor, Federal Territories, Perak, Kedah and Perlis. "The department is reviewing the implementation of the 'user pays principle' and determining a new direction.
The department is considering not providing disposable plastic bags as early as 2026 (or earlier). He said that the ministry has received positive feedback from consultations with nine state governments and local governments, and will be held in Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sarawak and Sabah next.
He said that the states that have implemented the "ban on disposable plastic bags" policy include Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Sabah Kota Kinabalu. The Federal Territory basically no longer provides traditional plastic bags, but encourages Encourage the use of biodegradable plastic bags.
He responded in a written reply to Bersatu Kubang Pasu MP Ku Abdul Rahman yesterday in Parliament on the government's progress in implementing the 2030 zero plastic bag roadmap, as Malaysians consume 502.3 mg of microplastics every day.
Nik Nazmi stressed that promoting sustainable management of plastics and reducing plastic pollution is a long-term and arduous task, especially in terms of marine pollution. Therefore, the government will continue to work with the industry, non-governmental organizations and all sectors of society to enhance public awareness and continuously improve plastic management policies, moving towards the goal of achieving "zero disposable plastics" by 2030.
