TRADERS are not forced to charge consumers 20 sen per biodegradable plastic bag, said Khalid Abdul Samad, whose ministry is working towards the goal of zero single-use plastics in the Federal Territories.

He today clarified a statement he had made on the charge, to come into effect on Friday, that has been dubbed a “pollution tax”.

The move is aimed at encouraging consumers to cut down their usage of single-use plastic bags.

“Beginning March 15, all businesses and retailers are allowed to implement a 20 sen charge for biodegradable plastic bags supplied to customers.

“The charge imposed on customers will be used towards the production cost of these biodegradable plastic bags, which has always been borne by retailers.”

He advised consumers to bring along their own reusable bags when shopping.

The implementation of the 20 sen charge is in line with the government’s aim to address plastic pollution via the Road Map Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030, spearheaded by the Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry.

The charge is applicable in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

The Pakatan Harapan government last year said it wanted all states to introduce a fee for plastic bags at supermarkets, retail stores and restaurants by 2021. – March 12, 2019.