The real issue is litterbugs, not the use of plastic bags
WE refer to “Time to widen the ‘No Plastic Bags’ ruling” ( The Star, Feb 3). We disagree that banning plastic bags will support the aim of reducing the amount of solid waste created every day in Malaysia.
We believe that strict enforcement on litterring will be a far more effective measure to protect the environment than a ban on plastic bags. Plastic bags do not cause litter, litterbugs do.
Most Malaysians reuse plastic shopping bags to dispose of rubbish. Amid rising inflation, charging them for these bags or forcing them to buy dustbin liners only causes more expense.
Consumers will pay the price for the irresponsible actions of litterbugs who are rarely rebuked or punished.
A ban is not an effective way to reduce solid waste. Plastic bags make up less than 2% of the total weight of municipal solid waste in Malaysia. Furthermore, plastic bags end up in landfills because they are reused as garbage bags.
Last year, our members’ sales of dustbin liners rose by 15% while sales of plastic bags fell only 10%. In Ireland, a 400% increase in the sale of garbage bags was reported after a tax was imposed on plastic bags.
A plastic shopping bag reused to dispose rubbish has less impact on global warming than paper bags and the popular reusable “green” shopping bag.
Even a cotton bag has to be reused at least 327 times to have as little impact as a single plastic bag according to the British Environment Agency.
Over the total life cycle, plastic bags consume less energy and fossil fuel to make and cause less greenhouse gas emissions compared with other packaging materials.
A ban imposed in San Francisco resulted in a huge rise in the use of paper bags, which generate 60% more greenhouse gas to make than a plastic bag. Also, transport consumes more fuel because paper bags are six times heavier. This in turn causes even more air pollution and carbon emissions.
Plastic bags in landfills remain inert and do not cause pollution through soil contamination or leach into the groundwater.
Plastic, just like other materials, may have an adverse impact on the environment if not properly disposed of. The real issue here is litter.
Malaysia must act against litterbugs and hold them responsible for their inconsiderate behaviour.
We do agree that much more has to be done to promote and support the practice of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association ( MPMA) as a socially responsible organisation has established 3Rs programmes, including the Mpma-scientex Foundation 3Rs Awareness Programme now in its third year.
We are working with the Housing and Local Government, Education and Tourism ministries as well as other stakeholders to support the 3Rs initiatives in Malaysia. LIM KOK BOON, President, MPMA, Chairman, Malaysian Plastics Forum.