Penang To Start Charging Shoppers RM1 For Each Plastic Bag

We all know that if we request for a plastic bag at any shopping outlets or departmental stores, we will be charged RM0.20 per piece in a bid to reduce the usage of plastic bags.

However, Penang is planning to take the initiative a step further - by increasing the fee to RM1 per piece.

The Star Online quoted Penang environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh as saying that the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry has approved the proposal.

“We will follow up with this plan after enforcement of the no single-use plastics begins in 2021.

“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," he was quoted as saying.

According to Phee, the state government plans to implement the new ruling by 2023.

Penang is the first state in Malaysia to announce the 'No Plastic Bag' campaign back in 2009, so it's not surprise that they are spearheading this campaign again.

So, guys and girls, you need to start getting into the habit of bringing your own grocery bags everywhere you go.