KUALA LANGAT, Sept 29 — Selangor is set to become the first state in Malaysia to implement by-laws governing the use of single-use plastics, with a focus on stricter enforcement.
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the Selangor Legal Adviser’s Office is finalising the draft by-laws, and further details are expected to be announced to the public later.
“These by-laws do not exist in any other state. Selangor will be the first state to implement them if they are approved.
“So, I will meet with the Legal Adviser’s Office to see whether there are still any outstanding issues and so on. At present, we are taking a little longer on the by-laws,” she said.
Jamaliah was speaking to the media after officiating the launch of the Solar Panel Car Park Project at Renesas Semiconductor KL Sdn Bhd in the Telok Panglima Garang Free Industrial Zone today.
She added that the new law would focus on enforcement to ensure the stipulated 20-sen plastic bag charge is imposed at all retail premises.
The Bandar Utama state assemblyman said the state government has yet to decide whether to increase the 20-sen charge, which has been enforced under the Plastic Bag Charge Collection Programme since January 1, 2020.
“We have not yet announced that there will be an increase, but what is important is that we want to ensure the 20-sen charge is collected as required.
“If anyone fails to pay the charge, we will have legislation in place to ensure follow-up action can be taken. There will be stricter enforcement, which may be linked to permits and licences,” Jamaliah said.
In March, the councillor said the plastic bag charge in Selangor could be increased from the current rate of 20 sen after the action plan to reduce single-use plastics is finalised.
However, once decided, the new charge would need to be realistic and practical for state residents.
