BARISAN Nasional should explain whether they support Selangor’s free plastic bags promise if they win the state in the next general election said Penang exco Phee Boon Poh.

Phee who is Penang State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment committee chairman, said reversing the no plastic bags rule would only hamper efforts of waste reduction in Malaysia

“The BN top leaders should explain if they agree with the nonsensical election promises made by Selangor BN on reversing the no plastic bags rule and pulling back the efforts of plastic waste reduction in Malaysia,” Phee said in a statement today.

Taking Penang as an example, Phee said it was once known as “the dirtiest state in Malaysia”. 

That changed when campaigns to improve the environment was initiated in 2008 which now had bear fruits.

“The Unesco World Heritage Site George Town has now been elected as one of the cleanest cities in Asean.

“In 2017, Penang achieved the highest recycling rate of 38%, which was better than the national recycling rate of 15% and the national target of 22% by 2020,” Phee said adding funds collected from plastic bag purchases in Penang had also dropped.

As such, Phee said Selangor BN election promise is “offensive to mankind and mother nature” and countries worldwide had already imposed charges or bans of plastic bags.

BN information chief Dr Satim Diman had announced on Sunday the BN manifesto had listed among other things, the return of free plastic bags for shoppers in the Pakatan Harapan-led state.

State BN chairman Noh Omar seconded the call, saying the 20 sen charged per plastic bag was a burden to the people.

Executive councillor Elizabeth Wong said Selangorians will not be swayed by BN’s promises.

Federal opposition lawmakers have also slammed the ruling coalition’s promise to Selangor folk as ridiculous and a step backwards.  – February 20, 2018.