Kota Kinabalu: A by-law to address plastic consumption in the State Capital is being considered, says Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir.
He said retailers and vendors are currently participating voluntarily in a drive to reduce the use of plastic bags from Aug 1.
“At present, we only have an anti-litter by-law that imposes a maximum fine of RM500 on litterbugs.
“Heavy penalties to serve as a deterrent are effectively enforced in Singapore. Unfortunately, in Sabah, when we attempt to fine litterbugs, like islanders, their wallets are frequently empty,” he told a press conference at the DBKK headquarters, Thursday.
Mayor Datuk Dr Sabin Samitah was also present.
Abidin, who is in charge of City Hall (DBKK), hoped for public collaboration even if the campaign may be perceived as “toothless” due to the lack of sanctions.
He said between September last year and June this year, DBKK’s “no plastic bags” campaign resulted in a 30 per cent reduction in various kinds of plastic, amounting to 11,000 tonnes.
The campaign will be extended to all other types of business premises, including restaurants, fast food outlets, hardware stores, beauty accessory stores and sports stores.
“I believe with the support of all levels of society and the participation of local authorities around Kota Kinabalu, such as Penampang Municipal Council, Putatan District Council and Tuaran District Council, the ‘Hari-Hari Bawa Beg Bah’ campaign to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags will be emulated by other districts throughout the State,” Abidin said.
DBKK has also established a centre for collecting recyclable plastics and is conducting ongoing public awareness programmes, including for children, to reduce waste.
Abidin said reducing plastic usage could attract more tourists to Sabah.
Currently, DBKK is implementing the campaign in supermarkets, hypermarkets, markets, department stores, chain stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores, gas station convenience stores, bakeries, clothing stores, Manggatal Town Market, Inanam Town Market and Telipok Town Market.
Only traders of raw materials such as fish, meat and seafood in the building markets are allowed to use plastic materials for packaging purposes.
“All citizens of Kota Kinabalu and visitors from outside the district are urged to prepare reusable bags or eco-friendly bags when shopping. Reduce plastic bags, reuse and recycle for a better tomorrow. We allow the use of biodegradable plastic bags that are available on the market,” Abidin said.
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