Penang is set to take a bold step towards increased sustainability with the launch of its No Plastic Bags Every Day campaign, starting March 1, 2025. The initiative aims to eliminate single-use plastic bags throughout the state, reinforcing Penang’s commitment to environmental conservation.

State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo announced that a six-month grace period, running from March 1 to August 31 of this year, will allow businesses and the public to adapt before full enforcement begins on September 1.

“We want to give the public time to adjust to the idea of having no plastic bags at all in the state,” Sundarajoo said at the campaign launch at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.

To encourage participation, the Penang Green Council will distribute 100,000 reusable bags during the first three months of the campaign. After that, these bags will be available for purchase.

BUILDING ON PAST SUCCESS

Penang has long been at the forefront of environmental initiatives in Malaysia. In 2009, it became the first state to introduce a No Free Plastic Bags campaign, requiring businesses to charge customers for plastic bags. More recently, plastic bags were banned on Mondays through Wednesdays, while businesses were required to charge RM1 per bag from Thursday to Sunday.

Since the initial implementation, the state government has collected RM8 million from the plastic bag surcharge, funds that have been reinvested in environmental sustainability efforts.

The latest initiative takes things a step further, with the goal of completely eliminating plastic bags across the state.

TOWARDS A PLASTIC-FREE FUTURE

“This campaign is more than just a policy—it’s about creating a culture of sustainability,” Sundarajoo stated. “By choosing reusable bags and rejecting single-use plastics, everyone can contribute to a cleaner and greener future.”

Beyond plastic bags, the state government is working on a comprehensive framework to phase out single-use plastics more broadly.

“We also want to highlight the role of businesses, especially those mandated to comply with the Plastic Bags 2.0 regulation, namely supermarkets, department stores, convenience stores, hypermarkets, fast food outlets, convenience stores at petrol stations, chain stores, pharmacies, and commercial establishments,” Sundarajoo said, adding that stalls, hawkers, and small traders would be exempt from this rule.

With a growing track record of pioneering green initiatives, Penang is once again setting a benchmark for sustainability in Malaysia. The No Plastic Bags Every Day campaign reflects a firm commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future for the island and its mainland counterpart, too.