MPHTJ president Mansor Sudin said the action for non-compliance with the ruling enforced by the Malacca Government on June 1 could be revocation of their business licences and imposing a compound fine of RM250.

“We have given them time, especially the owners of hypermarkets under the HTJ municipality, yet there are still those which do not provide the biodegradable plastic bags or paper bags.

“The enforcement officers will continue to monitor the hypermarkets and supermarkets from time to time and action will be taken against those that are stubborn,” he told reporters after the launch of paper bags for use at supermarkets under the HTJ municipality, here, today.

At the launch, about 200,000 paper bags were provided at the Family Store Supermarket in Melaka Mall, Ayer Keroh, here, in a move to replace plastic bags which have been banned in the state.

Mansor said it was the responsibility of the supermarket owners or traders to provide the biodegradable plastic bags and paper bags to help the Malacca Government cultivate the habit of preserving the environment among the public.

He said the MPHTJ had issued more than 3,000 notices to all hypermarkets/supermarkets and traders on the ruling.

A regular customer of Family Store, Kamarudin Othman, 62, from Taman Tun Rahah, Bukit Katil, here, said providing the paper bags was an important move for the convenience of customers.

“Thank god, the supermarket is finally providing customers with paper bags because after the Malacca Government made it illegal to use plastic bags, people did not have any alternative to place their products except in boxes, but these were limited.

“With the paper bags, it is easier for me to carry my things to the car and house,” he said.

The government pensioner said he hoped more supermarkets in the state would follow the step taken by this supermarket for the convenience of customers.

— BERNAMA