Selangor's 'no plastic bag' campaign amasses RM1.87m in collection

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government's "No to plastic bags and polystyrene" campaign has amassed over RM1.87 million in collection since its implementation this year.
Selangor Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs exco Elizabeth Wong (pix) (PKR-Bukit Lanjan) said the amount collected was from Jan 1 up to May, this year.
"The state government through its Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs had submitted its data on 20 sen collection from all Selangor businesses through its association.
"However, not all supermarkets, businesses or food premises had provided complete data," she told the state assembly sitting, today.
She was replying to a question from Lee Kee Hiong (DAP-Kuala Kubu Baru) who had asked on the statistics from the campaign.
Elizabeth said nearly 64% from the collection were derived from supermarkets while food premises made up the rest of the collection.
"The cost to implement the campaign up to June 30 came up to RM213,678.30 which were used on expenditure involving posters, banners, buntings, purchase of non-woven bags as well as other promotional activities," she added.
The state government had introduced the campaign as part of its efforts to reduce the usage of plastic and polystrene items in Selangor.
The ban was introduced by the Selangor government effective Jan 1 this year in its effort to reduce the usage of plastic bags by businesses and consumers.
Consumers would have to pay 20 sen for every plastic bag they purchase, but businesses are not obligated to channel the proceeds for environmental efforts.
In April, a total of RM500,000 in proceeds generated by 99 Speedmart Sdn Bhd (Speedmart) through its sales of plastic bags had been channeled to the Klang Municipal Council (MPK).
The amount was gained through the sales in 91 Speedmart branches in Klang.