Malaysia is not banning all single-use plastics outright. Instead, the country takes a phased approach under the Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030 (published in 2018 by MESTECC) and the Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030. On 18 May 2022, all states agreed to impose a minimum pollution charge of 20 sen per plastic bag, and states such as Penang have moved towards a full plastic bag ban.
- The Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030 was published in 2018 by MESTECC and uses a phased approach rather than an immediate ban.
- On 18 May 2022, all states agreed to impose a minimum pollution charge of 20 sen per plastic bag; Penang, Selangor and Johor were among the earliest to adopt it.
- Targets under the Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030 include a 25% recycling rate for plastic packaging by 2025 and a 76% average collection-for-recycling rate by 2030.
- Penang became fully plastic bag-free from 1 March 2025, with full enforcement from 1 September 2025.
Who this applies to: Consumers, retailers, packaging producers and local authorities in Malaysia.
On this page
Thin plastic bags at the checkout counter are typically used for only a moment, yet they can persist in the environment for a very long time. To address this issue, Malaysia has not opted for a single sweeping, immediate ban — instead, it uses a phased roadmap that moves from small charges to broader bans.
What is Malaysia’s plan for single-use plastics?
The main framework is the Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030, published in 2018 by the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change (MESTECC). It is deliberately built in phases: starting with “soft” measures such as a plastic bag charge and a “no straw by default” practice (straws provided only on request, without charge), before moving to firmer restrictions towards the end of the decade.
This framework was later reinforced by the Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030, which shifts the focus from merely banning bags to a circular economy concept spanning the plastic value chain — design, reuse, and recycling.
How much is the charge for plastic bags, and who imposes it?
In Malaysia, the plastic bag charge is implemented at the state level, not through a single federal law. On 18 May 2022, all states agreed to impose a minimum pollution charge of 20 sen per plastic bag. Penang, Selangor and Johor were among the earliest states to implement it. The 2018-2030 Roadmap itself also sets a minimum pollution charge of RM0.20 per plastic bag, with nationwide implementation by the end of 2021.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Agreed minimum charge | 20 sen per bag |
| Date all states agreed | 18 May 2022 |
| Early pioneers | Penang, Selangor, Johor |
| Penang plastic bag-free | From 1 March 2025 |
Penang has gone the furthest. Before the full ban, the state charged RM1 per bag from Thursday to Sunday and fully banned plastic bags from Monday to Wednesday. It then became fully plastic bag-free from 1 March 2025, with a transition period until 31 August 2025 and full enforcement from 1 September 2025. The ban covers supermarkets, department stores, convenience stores, hypermarkets, pharmacies and chain outlets, but hawkers, small traders and stalls are exempt.
What are the recycling targets under the Plastics Sustainability Roadmap?
Rather than a single “ban” date, the Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030 sets several measurable targets:
- 25% recycling rate for plastic packaging by 2025
- 76% average collection-for-recycling rate (CFR) by 2030
- 15% average recycled content by 2030
- 100% recycling rate by 2050
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme supports these targets: according to the Roadmap, it is targeted to become mandatory for plastic packaging by 2026. Retailers and packaging producers should check the latest status of this scheme, as the shift from voluntary measures to obligations is underway.
What’s next
For consumers, the practical step is to bring your own reusable bags, as the 20-sen charge and bans in some states are now becoming more widespread. For retailers or packaging producers, check the status of the EPR scheme and recycled content targets, as the shift from voluntary measures to mandatory obligations is taking place. For the latest official details, refer to the Roadmap documents on the website of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) as well as announcements from your state’s local authorities.
Are single-use plastics fully banned in Malaysia?
Not comprehensively yet. Malaysia takes a phased approach under the 2018-2030 Roadmap, starting with a plastic bag charge and a 'straw on request' practice (no straw by default), before moving to broader restrictions. Some states such as Penang have already stepped up to a full plastic bag ban.
How much is the charge for each plastic bag?
All states agreed on 18 May 2022 to impose a minimum pollution charge of 20 sen per plastic bag. Some areas apply stricter conditions; before the full 2025 ban, Penang charged RM1 per bag from Thursday to Sunday and banned plastic bags from Monday to Wednesday.
What are the main targets of the Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030?
Among them are a 25% recycling rate for plastic packaging by 2025, a 76% average collection-for-recycling rate (CFR) by 2030, and a 15% average recycled content by 2030. A 100% recycling rate is targeted by 2050.
The following are deliberately unstated or described only qualitatively until confirmed by a subject-matter expert:
- Status tadbir urus rasmi Peta Jalan 2018-2030 — dokumen roadmap sendiri tidak menyebut kelulusan Kabinet; sahkan sama ada ia diluluskan Kabinet dan tarikhnya.
- Status semasa skim EPR: adakah ia benar-benar menjadi mandatori bagi pembungkusan plastik pada 2026 seperti disasarkan (tarikh kini telah tiba).
- Kadar caj beg plastik semasa mengikut negeri, melebihi minimum 20 sen (kadar berubah dari semasa ke semasa).
- Sama ada sasaran interim 2025/2030 dan sasaran 100% menjelang 2050 masih kekal di bawah Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Kelestarian Alam (NRES).
Sources
- Malaysia's Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030 — Pejabat Perdana Menteri Malaysia (MESTECC)
- Malaysia sets plastic roadmap with sustainability targets up to 2030 — Enviliance ASIA
- All states agree to 20 sen pollution charge for plastic bags — The Vibes
- Penang to Go Fully Plastic Bag-Free Starting March 1 — Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC)
Change history
| Version | Date | Change | By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01.00 | 28 Jul 2026 | Approved and published. | — |