MB tells exco to explain outrage over plastic bag charge

Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali has instructed state executive council member Elizabeth Wong, who oversees environment and consumer affairs, to explain the criticism over the move to charge 20 sen for plastic bags.

"I have asked her to provide an explanation because the feedback reported by her was quite positive from the consumers," he told reporters in Shah Alam.

Azmin also clarified that the charges for the plastic bags, which followed his administration's “no plastic bag and polystyrene policy” did not go to the state government.

Previously, Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Minister Noh Omar had questioned where the sum went to.

The state government had encouraged retailers and traders to use the 20 sen collected from consumers for environment and wildlife protection.

The state government, however, is powerless to audit retailers and traders who charge the 20 sen.

Meanwhile, Azmin also commented on former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's remark that the BR1M cash handout would be continued even if the opposition formed the federal government.

"He said if needed, BR1M will be organised in a more transparent manner via institutions rather than politicians. And BR1M cannot be included in the (election) manifesto. That was clear," he said.

"Why was that not highlighted ?" he questioned.

Azmin, who described BR1M, which was introduced by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, as corruption, refused to emulate the practice.

“I am not going to continue with such corrupt practice, I fight corruption," he said when asked if he would give BR1M in the coming election.

Mahathir's remarks drew flak from various quarters, including Najib, who described the former premier as the “champion of U-Turns”.

This is because Mahathir had previously criticised BR1M as corruption.- Mkini