Selangor plastic use still high despite green efforts
PETALING JAYA: Despite calls to action such as the almost-daily “no plastic day” and imposing charges for single-use bags in shops, Selangor still records a high usage of plastics, says Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Selangor Mentri Besar said that plastic usage remains prevalent not only in rural areas but also in urban settings.
“We need to intensify our efforts to avoid repeating what we’ve been doing for the past eight years with initiatives like ‘no plastic days’ and charging for plastic bags.
“People have a sense of awareness when it comes to bringing their own bags, but we also have to increase awareness and implementing additional measures such as rainwater harvesting and recycling.
“This will be discussed further with the relevant state excos.
“We will also use funds from recycled plastics sales for campaigns and to enhance rewards for recycling efforts.
“We have to step up our strategy by not just campaigning in schools, but also engage the younger generation,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking after launching the Bumi Kita Festival and Selangor Earth Day 2024 at Tasik Bandaran in SS7 Kelana Jaya, here, yesterday.
Also present were Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon, state public health and environment exco Jamaliah Jamaluddin, state Islamic affairs and cultural innovation exco Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah and Ini Bumi Kita Association chairman Madeline Chong Kah Yee.
He added that it was important to nurture a generation that was less reliant on plastics due to their detrimental long-term effects on the environment.
On the continuous use of banned polystyrene containers in the state, he said the issue now was to find an alternative and cost-effective solution for these containers.
According to Mohamad Zahri, a total of 4,227.9 tonnes of waste was successfully separated and recycled last year in Petaling Jaya.
From the same amount, he said 761.6 tonnes were plastic waste.