5,000 reusable bags to be distributed to help reduce single-use plastic

13 September 2024

KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Tourism Culture and Environment will distribute 5,000 "Reusable Bags" to the public in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations on September 16.

This initiative supports the government’s efforts to reduce single-use plastics.

The campaign aims to encourage the public to minimize their reliance on single-use plastic bags and promote the use of "Reusable Bags" while shopping.

This effort builds on the Ministry’s ongoing environmental awareness programs, including the Community Environmental Education Program (CEEP) in local communities and the Sekolah Rakan Alam Sekitar (SERASI) program in schools across Sabah.

Similar campaigns have been conducted in Sabah by various stakeholders. The Ministry particularly acknowledges and commends the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) for its initiative to eliminate single-use plastics in selected locations around Kota Kinabalu, which began on August 1, 2024.

To expand the reach of this programme and encourage greater participation, the Ministry will continue to collaborate with local authorities throughout Sabah, ensuring that more people, especially the public, embrace the use of "Reusable Bags" in their shopping habits.

This campaign is part of the government's efforts to reduce environmental pollution caused by the use and disposal of single-use plastics.

The Ministry, through the Environment Protection Department, is one of the key agencies of the State Government responsible for environmental preservation and conservation in Sabah, in alignment with the Sabah State Policy on the Environment.

The State Government is committed to intensifying the implementation of action plans outlined in this policy by fostering cooperation among various government agencies and relevant stakeholders. A primary focus is on managing pollution from waste, including solid waste.