Malaysia to ban single-use plastic bags at parks, stores nationwide

The ban will take effect at forest reserves, national and state parks, marine parks and geological heritage sites, according to Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. It will also extend to permanent commercial premises such as supermarkets, petrol station convenience stores, fast-food restaurants and pharmacies.

Nik Nazmi made the announcement after chairing the year’s first meeting between environment ministers and state executive councilors.

Implementation will vary across states depending on their readiness and capacity, he said, emphasizing that flexibility is key to ensuring smooth enforcement.

He also pledged closer coordination between federal and state authorities to crack down on illegal electronic waste processing operations, which continue to pose a serious environmental threat.