ASEANEWS HEADLINE: Brunei – Wednesday added to ‘No Plastic Bag Every Day’ initiative

THE Ministry of Development through the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) yesterday announced the addition of Wednesday in the ‘No Plastic Bag Every Day’ initiative starting from July 11 corresponding to 27th of Syawal 1439 Hijrah, making it five days in a week without the use of plastic carrier bags in participating stores and shops.

The extension is part of the government’s effort in realising no plastic bags usage every day by January 1, 2019.

The initiative which carries the slogan, ‘It takes a nation to end plastic pollution’ emphasises the importance of an integrated effort towards combating plastic pollution in the country.

As mentioned by the Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, during the launch of Thursday’s addition in the ‘No Plastic Bag Every Day’ campaign on April 19, “Success in realising the desire to make Brunei Darussalam free from plastic pollution is entirely dependent on the actions of all parties, especially the supermarkets and business establishments, retail shop owners and people who use plastic bags. If there is no consciousness among us all about the pollution from plastic bags, the government’s plans will not be a complete success”.

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After the addition of Wednesday, the remaining days will be added in phases with Tuesday tentatively in October and Monday in December and the exact dates will be communicated by JASTRe closer to the time.

The initiative initially involves stores and businesses that are currently listed under the ‘No Plastic Bag Weekend’ initiative but will be extended to other consumers of plastic bags such as retails shops (kedai-kedai runcit), restaurants and markets/stalls (g