Malaysia Day Do: Spectators Rush To Get Their Hands On Free Reusable Bags

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Members of the public attending the Malaysia Day 2024 celebration at Padang Merdeka here made a beeline for the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KeKPAS) counter to get their hands on the reusable bags being given out as souvenirs.

The 5,000 reusable bags, given out for free, are part of efforts by KeKPAS to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags in the country.

One of the visitors, 36-year-old Sonia Abdul Majid said the free bags would make it easier for her to carry items now that supermarkets in Sabah have stopped giving out plastic bags since Oct 1 last year.

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"I didn't know that the bags would distribute the bags to the public and only came here to witness the Malaysia Day celebration with my family.

"So, I am happy that I got this reusable bag, which is convenient to be carried around,” said the Putatan resident when met by Bernama.

Another visitor, 47-year-old DK Chong, said she only knew about the bags being distributed when she saw the queue at the KeKPAS counter.

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"As a consumer, we welcome such efforts to help reduce the use of plastic bags.

"I will take this reusable bag with me to meet my customers,” said the interior decorator. 

Forty-year-old Radwan Tusin echoed the same sentiment, with the Papar resident also hoping that the distribution of reusable plastic bags can be extended to rural areas to reduce their usage, which can adversely affect the environment. 

On Friday (Sept 13), Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said 5,000 reusable bags would be distributed to the public in conjunction with the Malaysia Day 2024 celebration.

-- BERNAMA