21 hours ago
S'gor eyes plastics ban before 2030
(From right) Amirudin, Selangor public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin and Selangor State Legislative Assembly speaker Lau Weng San visiting booths at the plastic-free campaign event in Klang. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
THE full ban on single-use plastics in Selangor could be implemented as early as 2028, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said there was a possibility for the ban to take place earlier than the current target of 2030, subject to feasibility.
While still committed to phasing out single-use plastics at the current target of 2030, Amirudin said the time frame gave businesses and the public time to adjust to the idea of having no single-use plastics.
'We need to study the relevant laws as there are challenges in implementation and enforcement,' he said at the launch of the Plastic-Free Campaign Series 2 held at Laman Seni Safari 2 in Klang.
Amirudin added that public awareness and adaptation are crucial for the success of the ban.
He acknowledged that low-cost plastic products remained widely available and said Selangor would implement reduction initiatives in phases.
'Our campaigns are commitments to initiatives like the 'Roadmap to Single Use Plastic 2030'.
'Collaborations are needed with major retailers to signify a stronger commitment to reducing plastic waste,' he said, adding that more time was needed to cultivate new consumer behaviours.
'Our approach is more than a policy. It is about creating a culture of sustainability.'
Amirudin said all 12 local councils in Selangor have been tasked with facilitating the transition.
'Outlets like supermarkets, convenience stores, hypermarkets and fast food outlets must also comply,' he said.
Amiruding also said that by choosing reusable cloth bags and rejecting single-use plastics, everyone could contribute to a cleaner and greener future.
'In events like today's, reusable bags and tiffin carriers were given out as a way of affecting long-term behavioural change.'
On a separate matter, Amirudin said a detailed technical briefing regarding the April 1 gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights would be held following today's State Legislative Assembly sitting.
'We want everyone to understand the real aspects and not perceive the issue wrongly.
'What is important is that we want to move forward.
'On legal proceedings, we leave the matter to those affected,' he said.
The state assembly session will run from today to July 18 at Selangor State Assembly Building in Shah Alam.
