BY: LIZAWATI MADFA
SHAH ALAM, FEB 9: Elizabeth Wong said the proposal to use paper bags as an alternative for the plastic-bag ban is not ideal.
The Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs Exco said paper bags also serve as a ‘single-use’ function, similar to plastic bags.
The rate that papers are recycled is also low among Malaysians.
“Not only in Selangor, but throughout Malaysia, we can see the rate that papers are recycled is still not satisfactory.
“If there is any improvement in this, we may be able to reconsider using paper bags as alternatives,” she said to reporters at the Setia Alam Convention Centre today.
She was asked why don’t the State Government use paper bags as alternative for consumers since it can be recycled.
She responded that through the Plastic Free Selangor Campaign, the State Government wish to reduce the use of ‘single-use’ materials such as plastic and paper bags.
“On the contrary, we want citizens to use it repeatedly like clothes.
“They don’t use their clothes only once and then throw it away but they use it repeatedly,” she said.
Commenting further, Elizabeth believes the campaign will work although it takes a bit of time.
“If Malacca, Penang and other states can implement this successfully, why not Selangor who has smart citizens.
“I believe this mission is acceptable to Selangor citizens, give them time and do not conclude yet,” she responded when asked if the 20 cents charge will fail to educate the public.
Paper bag is single-use not ideal plastic bag alternative
