Press Statement: Januari 2010
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