Hawkers and wet market traders in Penang will not be affected by the upcoming single-use plastic bag ban starting 1 September, as state authorities work to identify suitable alternatives.
Penang Environment Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu confirmed that plastic bags will remain the default packaging material for wet and fresh produce, at least for now. The exemption covers traders who rely on single-use plastics to package wet goods and fresh produce until viable substitutes are available.
“There was an early attempt to apply the ban across the board for all establishments from 1 September, but for now, wet markets and hawkers are not part of this ban,” he said. “We need time, as finding them a suitable alternative to single-use plastic is necessary.”
Sundarajoo added that the state is working with plastic manufacturers to develop alternatives. Should a suitable option emerge before the September deadline, a new directive will be issued.
Penang Green Council Chief Executive Officer Josephine Tan elaborated that the ban will apply to hypermarkets, supermarkets, departmental stores, convenience stores, fast food restaurants, petrol station convenience stores, chain stores, pharmacies and clinics. Wet market traders and hawkers are excluded from this list but are encouraged to explore other packaging options.
The council is collaborating with Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai City Council on a pilot project to distribute alternative packaging to wet market operators. Tan highlighted a biodegradable bag made using bio-transformation technology that looks identical to plastic but decomposes without leaving microplastics behind.
The state has also distributed 55,000 reusable bags for free out of a planned 100,000, and maintains re-bag stations at various supermarkets where residents can deposit excess reusable bags for others to use.
The policy was first announced on 31 August 2025 and is currently in its awareness phase before enforcement begins in September.
Source: The Star
