Gurmit, who is Centre for Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia (Cetdem) chairman, said plastic bags should cost more to deter shoppers from using them.

“Shoppers are still using plastic bags because they are cheap. Raising the price to RM1 might stop them from purchasing the plastic bags,” he told FMT.

Gurmit was commenting on Selangor’s No Plastic Bag Day campaign, which was extended from Saturday to every day with the start of the new year.

Asked about some shops providing paper bags for their customers, he hoped they were using those made from “plantation wood”, which were more biodegradable.

For disposing of rubbish, Gurmit said homeowners should be using proper plastic garbage bags which could be bought from most stores.

Meanwhile, environmentalist Andrew Sebastian said plastic bags should be phased out gradually.

“In about six months, the government should look into getting rid of plastic bags for good.

“Banning the use of plastic bags in totality is a process.”

Sebastian said more needed to be done to educate the public on use of recyclable bags.

“Once the public is educated, the government should not allow the sale of plastic bags. We hope shoppers will stop using plastic bags to protect the environment.”

Elizabeth Wong, the Selangor exco in charge of tourism,nature, green technology and consumerism, reportedly said the state government would join in the campaign against plastic bags and polystyrene containers this year.

“Beginning Jan 1, all retailers in Selangor will no longer provide polystyrene containers and free plastic bags.

“Local council bylaws have been revised to support this policy and retailers must agree to go plastic-free when applying for or renewing their licences.

“All retailers will be provided with visual materials to build awareness of the #BebasPlastik campaign.”