By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH: Perak’s ban on single-use plastic bags, which took effect on September 1, has strengthened efforts to tackle pollution.
The initiative also complements efforts to protect the ozone layer from depletion.
State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said the ban covers permanent business premises, including hypermarkets, convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and pharmacies.
He said the measure builds on the earlier No Plastic Bag Campaign, which imposed a 20-sen pollution charge for each plastic bag.
“The policy aims not only to reduce plastic consumption but also to foster environmental awareness and encourage more eco-friendly habits among the public.
“As consumers, we can play our part by taking simple steps such as bringing reusable bags, reducing plastic use and choosing more environmentally friendly products,” he said.
He spoke at the launch of the 2026 Perak-level National Environment Day and World Ozone Day celebrations at Angsana Ipoh Mall today.
Teh said single-use plastics can take a very long time to decompose, while improper waste management can potentially pollute land, rivers and marine waters.
He said cooperation between the government, local authorities, traders and the public was crucial to ensuring efforts to reduce plastic pollution achieved their objectives.
Meanwhile, he said the ozone layer plays a vital role in protecting life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
He said World Ozone Day aims to raise public awareness of the effects of ozone layer depletion and the importance of adopting environmentally friendly lifestyles.
He added that efforts to reduce the use of substances that damage the ozone layer must continue in line with global cooperation under the Montreal Protocol.
Teh stressed that environmental protection was not solely the responsibility of the government or enforcement agencies, but required the commitment of all parties.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening environmental education and awareness, particularly among younger generations, to ensure natural resources are preserved for future generations.
He said economic development and physical progress must go hand in hand with environmental conservation to safeguard public well-being and ensure the state’s sustainability.
