By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The state government’s efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags appear to have missed the target, as the amount used has actually increased despite the 20-cent charge imposed per bag.
Therefore, Perak’s Chairman of the Committee on Science, Environment and Green Technology, Teh Kok Lim, said that Perak will implement a full ban on providing single-use plastic bags throughout the state starting next 1 January.
“This no-plastic-bag campaign was first implemented by the Ipoh City Council, Taiping Municipal Council, Teluk Intan Municipal Council and Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council beginning January 2023.
“It was followed by other local authorities, and by June 2023 all 15 local councils had begun implementing this campaign.
“This pollution charge is imposed by the local councils to reduce and prevent the use of plastic bags, especially single-use plastics.
“It is also to encourage consumers to bring their own reusable bags for daily activities,” he said.
However, he said that the total pollution charge collected by all local councils in Perak in 2023 amounted to RM204,238.80.
The amount reportedly increased to RM597,348.80 in 2024.
From January to September 2025, RM361,510.60 in pollution charges was collected, bringing the total plastic bag pollution charges in Perak to RM1,163,098.20.
“The 20-cent charge per plastic bag has been found to be less effective and has no significant financial impact on the majority of consumers,” he said.
Commenting further on the full plastic bag ban next year, he said the matter is still being handled by the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) to obtain consideration from the State Authority (PBN).
This is in addition to facing several major challenges such as low awareness among some consumers, the need for commitment from all parties, and the lack of safe and practical alternatives in wet markets.
