Perak rolls out single-use plastic bag ban with 6-month grace period

Single-use plastic bags are about to disappear from Perak shops, and residents need to show up with their own containers before enforcement tightens later this year.

Statewide plastic bag ban rollout

• Sandrea Ng Shy Ching urged shoppers to carry reusable bags.
• The ban officially kicks in on March 1.
• Full enforcement only begins after a six-month grace period.
• Earlier January 1 timing was pushed back to March.

Transition period without penalties

• No compounds will be issued during the adjustment window.
• Authorities want time for habits to shift greener.
• A walkabout at Medan Gopeng Ramadan Bazaar highlighted the message.
• Public preparation is being prioritized before strict checks start.

Trader exemptions and scope

• Hawkers and wet markets are excluded from enforcement.
• Night markets and most food premises get exemptions.
• Fast food restaurants are not spared from the ban.
• Lack of suitable plastic alternatives drove these carve-outs.

Licensing and enforcement oversight

• Ipoh City Council licensed 24 Ramadan bazaar sites.
• Those locations cover 1,394 approved lots.
• Eighty enforcement officers will monitor compliance.
• Hawkers and Stalls By Laws MBI 2020 guide inspections.