KUALA LUMPUR – Convenience store chain KK Mart may go the way of 99 Speedmart in banning the sale of plastic bags in all its outlets.
A representative from the company told Scoop discussions are underway within the company to implement the ban, which will mean that even customers willing to pay 20 sen for a plastic bag will not be given one.
The potential shift in this operational aspect will be in line with Putrajaya’s target of zero plastic bag use at all premises and in all sectors of trade and commerce by 2025.
“We have plans to implement the no-sale of plastic bags, and will have a discussion regarding the matter soon.
“But as of now, plastic bags are still provided (for free) in all states except Selangor and Kuala Lumpur,” said the KK Mart representative.
Other convenience store chains targeted for a similar ban include 7-Eleven, MyNews and CU Mart, which were mentioned by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming in a recent video posted on his party DAP’s Facebook page.
Nga said his ministry was pursuing talks with convenience store chains as part of promoting a circular economy to address the country’s mounting plastic waste problem.
In the video, Nga said Malaysians produced 15.4 million tonnes of solid waste annually.
“Everyday, we generate 40,000 tonnes of waste alone,” he said, stressing the critical need to transition to a more sustainable practice.
Nga acknowledged the challenges in changing long-standing consumer habits, but underscored the success of the “Bring Your Own Bag” campaign that is already in place at 99 Speedmart.
Since May last year, 99 Speedmart has banned the sale of plastic bags to customers, and this practice is now in place at 2,500 outlets nationwide.
Nga said 99 Speedmart’s practice served as a model for other retailers and expressed confidence that the plastic bag ban could be replicated with other chains.
“We are in discussion with 7-Eleven, MyNews, CU Mart and others to implement similar measures. If 99 Speedmart can do it, I don’t see any reason or excuse why others can’t,” he said.
In May last year, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, when launching 99 Speedmart’s no-plastic-bag campaign, said the country’s zero plastic bag use target in 2025 would be implemented in stages.
It would start with retailers in fixed premises before moving to other businesses, including roadside shops and stalls.
Nik Nazmi was reported saying there will be incentives to “encourage the transition away from using plastic bags” instead of penalties using fines and compounds, as the government recognised that there would still be traders who supply plastic bags. – August 13, 2024