Selangor is proposing a new by-law that would require businesses to charge customers 20 sen for single-use plastic bags as part of efforts to reduce pollution caused by non-biodegradable waste.
Selangor Public Health and Environment Exco Jamaliah Jamaluddin said businesses that fail to comply could face enforcement action, including possible implications for their business permits or licences.
However, she said the proposed by-law is still being reviewed by the Selangor Legal Adviser’s Office before it can be finalised and tabled in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
The move, if approved, would make Selangor the first state in Malaysia to introduce a specific regulation requiring businesses to impose a charge for plastic bags.
“This by-law will make Selangor the first state to implement a specific regulation requiring business premises to impose a plastic bag charge,” she said.
She said the proposed rules would apply to premises such as supermarkets and other businesses that provide plastic bags to customers.
“If any premises that use plastic bags, such as supermarkets or shops, fail to impose the charge, they will need to comply or face further action,” she said.
Jamaliah said the state government had not decided whether the existing 20 sen charge would be increased, as its immediate priority was ensuring businesses comply with the current requirement.
At present, implementation of the 20 sen charge remains largely dependent on voluntary participation by businesses, including major retail chains.
Jamaliah said she would meet the Selangor Legal Adviser’s Office to determine whether there were any outstanding legal issues or provisions that needed to be refined.
“We need some time because Selangor will be the first state to implement this by-law if it is approved, and there is no other state for us to use as a reference,” she said.
