Perak plans total ban on single-use plastic bags from 2026 as pollution charges prove ineffective, with collections reaching RM1.16 million since 2023
IPOH: The Perak government is finalising measures to enforce a complete ban on single-use plastic bags across the state starting January 2026.
Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said the proposal follows the ineffectiveness of previously implemented pollution charges on plastic bags.
He confirmed the proposal remains under review by the State Economic Planning Unit before submission to local authorities for consideration.
“Plastic pollution charges collected by all PBTs in Perak amounted to RM204,238.80 in 2023 and increased to RM597,348.80 in 2024,” he told the State Legislative Assembly.
Collections from January to September 2025 reached RM361,510.60, bringing total plastic bag usage charges to RM1,163,098.20 from 598 premises.
Teh was responding to Pasir Pinji assemblyman Goh See Hua’s query about state measures to reduce single-use plastic consumption.
He stated the increasing charge collections reflect limited public awareness about plastic’s harmful environmental and health impacts.
“The 20-sen pollution charge per plastic piece proved ineffective with minimal financial impact on some consumers,” he added.
Teh explained the charge principle aims to reduce plastic bag usage while encouraging people to carry reusable bags.
The state government faces several challenges in reducing and banning single-use plastics, including low community awareness levels.
Safe, clean and reasonably priced packaging alternatives remain insufficiently available at wet markets and night markets.
The state assembly sitting continues on Monday. – Bernama
