Nationwide anti-polythene drive begins Nov 1

A separate campaign will be conducted in supermarkets as previously planned, says the environment advisor

The government is launching a nationwide campaign against the production, storage, transportation, marketing, and use of banned polythene and polypropylene shopping bags in November, according to Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

Speaking at a consultative meeting with shop owners and plastic goods traders on Wednesday evening, the advisor highlighted the detrimental impact of plastic on the environment and outlined the decision to enforce the ban more strictly from Nov 1.

"The government has decided to strictly implement measures against banned polythene and polypropylene shopping bags. A nationwide drive will commence from Nov 1," Rizwana said.

She also said that starting in October, a separate campaign will be conducted in supermarkets as previously planned.

From October, market authorities across the country, including those of wet markets, will voluntarily ban illegal polythene bags, while the environment department will conduct awareness programmes. Full enforcement of the law will begin in November.

Rizwana emphasised the need to find alternatives to plastic to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

She announced that the environment department would organise a fair on Sept 29 to showcase alternatives to plastic.