The Perak government is set to implement a full ban on single-use plastic bags beginning January 1, 2026, the State Legislative Assembly was informed today. Lim Kok Teh, chairman of the State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee, said the proposal is currently under review by the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) for final approval.
Lim explained that the move comes after the existing RM0.20-per-bag charge failed to significantly reduce plastic bag usage. The state initially launched the ‘No Plastic Bag Campaign’ on August 10, 2022, allowing local councils to charge for plastic bags every Saturday. The campaign rolled out in January 2023 in Ipoh, Taiping, Teluk Intan, and Kuala Kangsar, and expanded to all local authorities on June 15, 2023.
“Plastic bag charges collected by local councils totaled RM204,238.80 in 2023, rising to RM597,348.80 in 2024. From January to September 2025, RM361,510.60 was collected, bringing the total since the campaign began to RM1.16 million from 598 premises,” Lim said. He noted that the rising collections indicate low public awareness of the environmental and health impacts of single-use plastics.
Lim also highlighted the challenges in enforcing a total ban. “Low awareness, particularly in rural areas, and the need for commitment from businesses, small traders, market vendors, and communities make full compliance difficult. Wet and night markets often lack affordable and safe packaging alternatives,” he said.
The state government plans to complement the ban with public education, awareness campaigns, advocacy, and stricter enforcement measures to reduce plastic use and encourage residents to adopt reusable alternatives.
