Perak: Perak residents are encouraged to bring their own food containers or reusable bags to business premises, including Ramadan bazaars, in support of the statewide ban on single-use plastic bags starting March 1. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching stated that this initiative will serve as a transition period before full enforcement begins in September.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ban will take effect in March, but full enforcement will only begin after a six-month transition period. Ng Shy Ching emphasized that no compounds will be issued during this time, allowing the public to adjust and adopt environmentally friendly practices. She made these remarks after a walkabout session at the Medan Gopeng Ramadan Bazaar.

The state government had previously announced that the full ban, initially scheduled for January 1, was postponed to March 1 to give the public more time to prepare. From the traders' perspective, Sandrea Ng Shy Ching mentioned that enforcement will not apply to hawkers and certain locations such as wet markets, night markets, and food premises, except fast-food restaurants. Exemptions are granted to these categories as there are currently no suitable alternatives to replace plastic in some cases.

Additionally, efforts to educate and raise awareness will be intensified through publicity campaigns, community programmes, and collaboration with various parties to ensure the initiative reaches the grassroots. In a related development, 24 Ramadan bazaar locations involving 1,394 lots have been licensed under the Ipoh City Council's jurisdiction. A total of 80 council enforcement officers will monitor compliance with licensing and stall cleanliness requirements under the Hawkers and Stalls By-Laws (MBI) 2020, the Food Act 1983, and the Food Regulations 1985.