No Plastic Bag Day

The Selangor government's "No to plastic bags and polystyrene" campaign has amassed over RM1.87 million in collection since its implementation this year.

Selangor Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs exco Elizabeth Wong (PKR-Bukit Lanjan) said the amount collected was from January up to May, this year.

The state government through its Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs had submitted its data on the 20 sen collection from all Selangor businesses through its association. However, not all supermarkets, businesses or food premises had provided complete data.

Nearly 64 percent of the collection was derived from supermarkets while food premises made up the rest of the collection. The cost to implement the campaign up to June 30 came up to RM148,430 which was used on expenditure involving posters, banners, buntings, purchase of non-woven bags as well as other promotional activities.

The state government had introduced the campaign as part of its efforts to reduce the usage of plastic and polystyrene items in Selangor. Consumers requesting for a plastic bag will be charged 20 sen per piece, with proceeds generated by plastic bag sales expected to be channeled towards environmental protection organisations.