MANY Penangites welcome the move by the state government to increase the price of plastic bags from 20 sen to RM1 each at supermarkets from Jan 1 next year.
They feel it will help improve the environment ecosystem.
In addition to the price increase, state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh, who is in charge of Environment and Welfare, had announced that the sale of plastic bags from Monday to Wednesday next year would be banned, thus allowing only plastic bags to be sold from Thursday to Sunday at the new rate.
Phee had also explained that money collected from the sale of plastic bags is meant for the ‘Partners Against Poverty’ special fund to help the destitute poor.
Buletin Mutiara managed to interview a few shoppers today regarding the decision by the Penang government and below are their views:
Aiman Fashehah Ahmad, 30, clerk:
“For me, I don’t have any problems with the state government’s decision regarding this matter and as a matter of fact, I fully support and commend them for the initiative.
“As we know, plastic bags can bring harmful effects to the environment.
“Plastic bags moreover cannot be used many times and if the contents are heavy, they tend to break.
“Whenever I do my groceries at the markets, I will always bring my own reusable bags.
“And if I forget to bring them, I will just buy another reusable bag.”
Hidayah Md Zin, 60, retiree:
“I hope that with the sharp price increase for a plastic bag, it will instil some sort of awareness and encourage more people in Penang to use reusable bags.
“I notice that shoppers generally do not mind paying 20 sen for a plastic bag and I hope the new rate of RM1 will be a deterrent to them.
“I also hope the new move will also help to educate more Penangites to use reusable bags to save the environment or at least to reduce the impact of the plastic pollution.
“Some people might not agree with this but I believe it is time to think ahead, look at the bigger picture and care for the environment.”
Rashid Md Ali, 51, businessman:
“In principle, I do agree and welcome the new price for plastic bags because of the long-term benefits it could bring to the environment.
“But at the same time, I would also like the public to be informed of the revenue collected and hope it is put into good use.
“If the money is used to fund environmental management projects and welfare programmes like Mutiara Food Bank to help the needy, then I am fine with it.”
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis