SELANGOR folk have given the thumbs up to Barisan Nasional’s pledge to pay consumers 20 sen for using their own shopping bags, should the coalition take over the state in the 14th general election.

Bernama reported pensioner Kamsiah Said as saying the Pakatan Harapan-led state government’s rule to impose a 20 sen charge per plastic bag – a move aimed at saving the environment – is ineffective.

“The 20 sen charge does not make much of a difference. Not many people bring their own shopping bags. People are willing to pay for plastic bags,” said the 62-year-old.

She said if consumers are instead paid 20 sen for bringing their own bags, it will encourage the practice.

The pledge was announced by state BN chairman Noh Omar as part of the coalition’s manifesto that was launched on April 8.

The PH state government under caretaker menteri besar Mohamed Azmin Ali enforced a ban on plastic bags and polystyrene containers being given away for free at major commercial centres on January 1 last year.

Previously, the rule was imposed only on Saturdays, since 2010.

A Selangor resident who wanted to be known only as Azrun, 34, welcomes BN’s pledge, saying it will encourage people to use fewer plastic bags.

“For the less fortunate, the 20 sen charge is costly. Since so many people are still paying for the bags, the state government is the one benefiting, as a piece of plastic bag doesn’t cost that much.

“We are also not informed as to where the proceeds are being channelled to.” – May 2, 2018.