Remember how you would have to bring your own recyclable shopping bags on Saturdays for grocery shopping? News came this August that Selangor is set to extend the current 'No Plastic Bag Day', which means you would have to pay 20sen for a plastic bag everyday starting January 1 2017. Selangor also wants to go all the way with its #BebasPlastik campaign by imposing a RM1,000 fine on business owners who use polystyrene packages.
According to a report by The Star, the move was initiated by the Selangor State Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Elizabeth Wong, who also said that there are several things that will be exempted from the no plastic bag charge. These items include raw meat, plants covered in sand or soil, poisonous substances, live fish or aquatics, and unwrapped flowers or loose seeds. It would still be a good idea to stock up on reusable bags though.
Although the initiative received backlash from traders over the ban of polystyrene and the extension of 'No Plastic Bag Day', Selangor had also received positive support from its residents. Based on a survey conducted by the Selangor government, it showed that 71 percent of its residents want an extension to the 'No Plastic Bag Day'. It’s great to see the people coming together in support of a green movement such as this.
So, with the total ban of polystyrene and the extension of ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ to seven days, you should consider digging up your grandmother’s old tiffin carriers again. They might come in handy when you tapau food.
For more info, visit www.bebasplastik.my.