SHAH ALAM, Aug 12 — Plastic bag fee earnings in Selangor fell by nearly half from RM13.35 million in 2023 to RM6.97 million in 2025, indicating that more consumers are choosing reusable bags, said state executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
She said RM9.04 million was collected in 2024, with the consistent decline indicating reduced dependence on single-use plastic bags.
“Although there isn’t a specific study measuring the overall reduction in plastic bag usage, the state government has used the trend in plastic bag fee collections as one of the indicators of shifts in consumer behaviour,” she said during the question-and-answer session at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly here today.
She added that the state’s Plastic-Free Campaign launched in 2010, as well as the 20 sen charge for each single-use bag introduced in 2020, have helped raise public awareness and encourage shoppers to choose reusable bags.
Jamaliah said more commercial fronts including supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies have stopped providing single-use plastic bags for free.
Selangor’s target of zero single-use plastic by 2030 is challenging but achievable if policy execution, enforcement, public education, and stakeholder cooperation are sustained, she explained.
“The accomplishment of this target cannot depend on the state government alone; it requires shared commitment from various quarters including local authorities, businesses, manufacturers, civil society organisations, and consumers who practise reduce, reuse and recycle principles in their daily lives,” she said.
Jamaliah added that Selangor is confident it is on the right track to achieve the 2030 target, with consistent policies, stronger public education, and continued community support.
She also said the state government will keep boosting awareness campaigns and improving policies to ensure the zero single-use plastic target is reached effectively and sustainably.
