MOVING towards zero ‘single-use plastic bag’ usage, the state government intensifies its efforts by launching the ‘Penang No Plastic Bag Everyday Campaign 2025’ today.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said that this campaign reflects Penang’s vision of becoming a low-carbon state and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We will provide a six-month educational enforcement period, from March 1 to August 31 2025, to allow businesses and the public to familiarise themselves with the new regulations. Full enforcement will begin on September 1 2025 onwards.
“We hope that, this Merdeka (Independence Day), we will be also free from ‘plastic bag usage,” he said during the launching ceremony at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.
This new regulation applies to hypermarkets, supermarkets, department stores, convenience stores, fast food restaurants, petrol stations, chain stores, pharmacies, and other related business premises, with more to be added to the list in the near future.
Sundarajoo said that he is confident that Penang can achieve its target, citing previous initiatives such as the ‘No Plastic Bag Every Monday to Wednesday’ policy, with a charge of RM1 for plastic bags from Thursday to Sunday.
“Together, we can position Penang as a model of environmental stewardship, leading the way for other states to follow.
“Let this campaign be a testament to our collective determination to protect our mother earth. With each reusable bag, we take a step closer to a more sustainable future for generations to come.
“Since the implementation of the plastic-free campaign in 2009, we have collected some RM8 million. We decided to use 10 percent of this amount to support the campaign, initiatives, and other related activities,” he added.
According to Sundarajoo, the campaign will kick off with the Penang Green Council (PGC) distributing approximately 100,000 free reusable bags across Penang.
These bags will be distributed primarily at premises operated by local governments to encourage adoption and help residents transition to more sustainable practices.
PGC general manager Josephine Tan shared that the organisation has partnered with L’Occitane En Provence and Plastic Odyssey for sustainable initiatives.
“Next week, 18 winning schools from the Penang Green School Award 2023/2024 and 10 selected businesses will have opportunity to visit the Plastic Odyssey vessel.
“This hands-on experience will inspire participants to take meaningful steps toward a plastic-free future,” she said while adding that Penang has been chosen as the only stopover site in Malaysia.
It is learned that L’Occitane En Provence, in partnership with i-CYCLE Malaysia, has launched a recycling programme where consumers can recycle their empty containers at selected L’OCCITANE boutiques across Malaysia.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud