Lawmaker seeks cost-effective alternatives for polythene bags

A cost-effective replacement should be made available when the plastic bag ban comes in place, a lawmaker has said. MP Mohammed Buhamood said that despite being a positive development, the plastic bag ban should not overburden citizens and residents. “To prevent such a situation, an affordable alternative to the plastic bag should be made available.

“The plastic bag ban is one of the most positive steps taken by the government as it is beneficial to the Kingdom’s environment.” Mr. Buhamood said that he is afraid of a possible tendency from the part of shopkeepers to impose a high price for non-plastic bags. “This should not happen and the authorities should prevent it.” “Citizens are concerned whether this will lead to shops charging absurd amounts for the alternatives.”  

In line with the directives of the Government Executive Committee chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, the Kingdom will begin phasing out the use of plastic bags. According to the Supreme Council for Environment Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mohammed Bin Daina, the technical regulations for plastic products will come into effect on July 21, 2019.

The order will regulate and phase out the use of plastic bags. The first phase will focus on single-use plastic bags as well as banning the import of non-biodegradable plastic bags. Later phases will witness a permanent ban on the use of plastic bags at certain malls and supermarkets, Dr. Bin Daina had said.