BY: HAFIZAN TAIB
SHAH ALAM, JAN 13: Alternative materials to replace plastic bags are not made available in business premises as it will cause the same problem, thus preventing environmental campaign goals.
Local Authority Sector Deputy Director Wan Zahari Sulong said following that, consumers are encouraged to use bags from recycled materials which can be found in the market.
“If alternatives like paper bags or boxes are provided, it will contribute to the same problem which is source consumption.
“The production of paper itself is from trees being cut and high consumption of water.
“We do not want to resolve one issue and create another issue. That is why we do not provide the alternative,” he said.
He said on January 12, at a briefing session together with the Local Authority Selection Committee Chairman (JP-PBT), regarding the free from plastic bags and polystyrene campaign implementation.
The campaign is enforced by the State Government effective January 1 after trial runs over several years, and intensified in 2016 with a ban on the use of the materials every Saturday.
To enhance public awareness on this, relevant parties including the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) and Environmental Committee, together with Local Authorities will intensify the campaign.
“For this year, we will step up the implementation with tours to consumers together with local authorities, as in the past we have been focusing more on commercial premises such as Ramadan Bazaars, which are seasonal.
“The implementation will be done through promotions in supermarkets, morning-markets and night-markets to create awareness in consumers; besides producing campaign products through the appointed consultant,” he said.
