Government Officials Will Use Sense of Smell to Recognise Fake Bioplastics Bags

The Ministry’s enforcement team will focus on hypermarkets and will issue a compound if they suspect the biodegradable plastic bags to be fake. 1,025 notices and 90 compounds were issued in the last year.

Federal Territories Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Adnan Mohd Ikhsan said:

“The 100% biodegradable plastic bags have a silky feel and sweet smell. If the business owner does not agree, they can bring the matter to court. We are also aware that plastic bag manufacturers could fool the ministry and consumers.”

The use of 100% biodegradable plastic bags and food containers were made compulsory one year ago. The ban applies to plastic bags used at the check-out counters.

Echo Instruments, Technology to Measure & Analyse Plastic Biodegradation (FREE)

Many shop owner took a step back by opting for cheaper and regular hydrocarbon plastic bags, photodegradable or oxo-degradable plastic bags, as well as substandard biodegradable plastic bags.

Unscrupulous plastic bag manufacturers were passing off fake biobased plastic bags as 100% biodegradable.

These manufacturers are not only breaking the law but are also forging the Sirim certification. Sirim has yet to take action, so many manufacturers are taking advantage of this.

14 manufacturers, 9 distributors and 42 suppliers of real biodegradable bags were registered with the ministry and the list will be provided to the business owners.