by Norrasyidah Arshad
KLANG, Sept 27 — The 20 cent charge rate for plastic bags in Selangor may be increased if the plastic-free campaign that has been in effect for several years fails to achieve its objective, said Environmental state executive councilor Hee Loy Sian.
He said he would analyse the collection rate every year, before deciding on whether to change the charge policy.
“Last year we collected over RM6.6 million, whereas for this year until June we collected over RM2.5 million, if the collection rate increases every year, it means we have failed to increase social awareness on the usage of plastic.
“We increase the charge so as to encourage society to no longer use plastic bags, so as to preserve the environment. Those who still insist on doing so, we will increase the charge rate,” Hee said during the closing ceremony for the Program PRO500 Trees Sentosa at the Sentosa ADUN Service Centre yesterday.
The exco added that 60 per cent of the collection from the plastic bags charge rate is provided to the state government, while the remainder is handed over to the local authorities.
“The monies collected is placed into a trust fund which will be used to implement community programmes, as well as benefit the rakyat,” he said.
Beginning on January 2017, traders and businesses in Selangor no longer provided plastic bags for free, and were ordered to stop using disposable containers and polystyrene tools at all premises.
