Taiping: The 12th day of Perak's single-use plastic bag ban shows positive progress, with over 30 per cent of consumers adopting the habit of bringing their own bags. State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said most residents are ready to adopt eco-friendly packaging, adding that the transition and awareness campaign continues until August.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Teh Kok Lim emphasized that over 30 per cent of the public are already complying with the initiative, suggesting a readiness among residents to bring their own bags. He made these remarks during a press conference following a visit to plastic bag-free outlets in the Taiping Municipal Council area on Jalan Pasar.

Teh explained that a six-month education phase will take place before local authorities enforce the ban under Section 107(2) of the Local Government Act 1976 via business licence conditions. He warned that non-compliant premises might face strict consequences, including the possibility of non-renewal of business licences next year.

On the earlier 20 sen plastic bag charge, Teh Kok Lim stated that collections in Perak had reached RM1.2 million over three years since 2023, indicating that the charge had minimal psychological impact on consumers. He also mentioned that wet markets, night markets, and small traders are exempt from the ban as the state has not found a practical alternative.

Teh noted that the exemption aims to avoid disrupting daily trade, especially since wet items like fish and chicken pose packing challenges without plastic when customers do not bring their own bags. Previously, State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching announced that while the single-use plastic ban took effect this month, full enforcement will only commence after the six-month transition period.