The state government of Penang, Malaysia, has announced it will enforce a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic bags starting September 1, 2026. The policy will apply to all business sectors, including retail, food and beverage, and markets.
According to state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh, the ban is part of the "No Free Plastic Bag" campaign, which has been in place since 2009. The move aims to eliminate the distribution of free plastic bags entirely, shifting the state towards a reusable bag culture.
Penang had previously implemented a charge for plastic bags on specific days. The new total ban represents a significant escalation of the state's environmental policy. Officials have stated that enforcement actions will be taken against businesses that fail to comply with the new regulation after the deadline.
The decision aligns with broader national efforts in Malaysia to reduce plastic pollution. Other states have implemented similar charges, but Penang's total ban is among the strictest measures announced to date.
