Main image via The Star + Rojak Daily
Gear up Penangnites and get your recyclable bags ready because the price of plastic bags is about to increase from RM0.20 to RM1.
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In a bid to help the environment and to discourage the use of plastic bags, the Penang state environment committee chairman, Phee Boon Poh has said that the price of plastics bags will increase to RM1 beginning 2023.
The price increase will be in effect at all shopping malls in Penang in three years time.
The “Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry has approved this proposal,” said Phee. “We will follow up with this plan after enforcement of the no single-use plastics begins in 2021.”
Image via The Straits Times
If you’re wondering why it’ll take a long time for the price increase to be in effect, it’s because this allows for more time for awareness.
“Although we have approval from the ministry, we will not carry it out immediately but will give more time for awareness besides carrying out educational programmes,” Phee said. “We hope to raise awareness among the people and also give manufacturers and businesses some time to adapt to the changes.”
“Public awareness on the need to reduce the usage of plastic bags must be strengthened and the state government will carry out more dialogue sessions with manufacturers and shopping malls before implementing the policy,” he added. “We will give them enough time to adjust and adapt to the changes and our goal is to implement it completely by 2023.
Image via The Star
Do you think that this is a step in the right direction in helping to save the environment? Should other states also increase the price of plastics?
Let us know!
Info via The Star
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