Single-Use Plastic Bag Bans in Malaysia (2025): What Retailers & Packaging Buyers Need to Know

Malaysia has been steadily moving toward reducing single-use plastics for nearly a decade, yet many retailers and packaging buyers still feel unsure about what is actually banned, what is charged, and what is changing soon.

This guide gives a clear, accurate overview of Malaysia’s 2025 situation — and how Enrich Package supports retailers, supermarkets, F&B brands, and importers with compliant, practical packaging solutions in the plastic packaging Malaysia market.

Malaysia does not have a full nationwide ban yet.

However, the country has been guided by the “Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018–2030”, published by the Malaysian Government (then MESTECC). This roadmap outlines a gradual phase-out by 2030, with stronger enforcement expected in each phase.

Because Malaysia is a federal system, many rules are set by states and local councils, not the federal government.

State-level enforcement happening now

Several states already enforce strict plastic bag regulations:

• Selangor – Daily no-free-bag policy; RM1 charge per plastic bag
  (announced by Selangor State Government in 2017 and still enforced)
• Penang – One of the first states to implement daily plastic-bag charges, including wet markets
  (reported frequently by Penang Government and national news outlets)
• Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Labuan, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan – 20 sen per plastic bag at participating retail outlets
  (based on local council guidelines)
• Sabah – Progressive phase-out of single-use plastic bags starting 2023
  (according to Sabah state circulars reported in Borneo Post)
• Sarawak – “No Plastic Bag Every Day” campaign and RM0.50 charges in major councils
  (as announced by the Sarawak government)

Because of these shifts, retailers in 2025 must stay updated on state, not just national, rules.

According to Malaysia’s official roadmap, single-use plastics include items like:

• Plastic checkout bags
• Polystyrene containers
• Straws
• Thin disposable plastic films

However:

HDPE produce roll bags used for fruits and vegetables are generally still allowed because they are classified as hygiene-critical packaging.

Yes — but with conditions.

Retailers can still use:

• ✔ Thicker, reusable HDPE/LDPE carry bags
• ✔ Biodegradable or oxo-biodegradable bags
• ✔ Recyclable PE bags
• ✔ Produce roll bags for hygiene
• ✔ Custom printed bags (with mandatory charges where applicable)

Retailers cannot:

• ✘ Give plastic bags for free where charges apply
• ✘ Use polystyrene in states that have banned it
• ✘ Provide ultra-thin bags below retail SOP thresholds

Most modern retailers (AEON, Lotus’s, Jaya Grocer, NSK, Village Grocer) follow internal standards for:

• Bag thickness
• Tensile strength
• Food-contact certification
• Break-resistance
• Sustainability features

These internal SOPs are often stricter than state rules.

1. Expect more restrictions between 2025–2030
   Malaysia’s roadmap clearly states the intent to phase out single-use plastics progressively.
2. Retailers need safer, stronger, and compliant alternatives
   The shift is toward:
   • Reusable HDPE/LDPE bags
   • Biodegradable checkout bags
   • High-clarity HDPE produce rolls
   • Recyclable PE films
   • Laminated packaging that meets food safety standards
3. Supplier quality matters more than ever
   Retailers now require:
   • Micron control
   • Food-safe certification
   • Strong tensile resistance
   • Accurate printing
   • Stable supply capacity

This is where Enrich Package (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. supports the market.

These are exempt due to hygiene needs.

Enrich Package supplies high-clarity produce roll packaging in Malaysia with:

• 7–12 micron options (per retailer SOP)
• Strong tear resistance
• Clean perforation printing
• Food-contact certification
• Custom roll length, width & bag count

Durable, thicker supermarket carry bags.

Increasingly preferred due to environmental policies — especially for buyers seeking a biodegradable plastic bag manufacturer or biodegradable T-shirt bag manufacturer in Malaysia.

Allows retailers to maintain plastic functionality while reducing environmental impact.

Malaysia’s national roadmap (2018–2030) shows the long-term direction:
gradual elimination of single-use plastics by 2030.

However:

• No specific federal ban date for plastic bags has been announced yet.
• States will continue to introduce their own bans and charges.
• Enforcement is expected to become progressively stricter leading up to 2030.

A 2024 article by The Star also highlighted the ongoing push for nationwide alignment, but noted that implementation remains dependent on state policies.

If your business relies on plastic packaging, now is the time to choose suppliers who can meet future requirements — not just today’s.

Malaysia’s movement toward reducing plastic waste is accelerating. Retailers, F&B operators, and importers who plan ahead will avoid penalties, supply issues, and customer dissatisfaction.

Enrich Package supports this transition by providing compliant, durable, and retail-ready packaging solutions manufactured in Malaysia.

👉 Contact Enrich Package for Custom Bags That Meet Malaysia’s 2025 Requirements

Also Read:

• What to Look for in a Biodegradable Plastic Bag Manufacturer in Malaysia
• LDPE vs HDPE Produce Roll Bags: A Complete Buyer’s Guide for Malaysian Retailers
• How to Keep Your Frozen Foods Fresh: Prevent Freezer Burn with the Right Packaging
• How to Choose the Right Frozen Food Packaging in Malaysia

We hope you found this article informative. Our content is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice or necessarily reflect the full range of services offered by Enrich Package (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

Readers are advised to consult with a qualified industry professional and contact our experts for packaging recommendations specific to their individual business needs. While we strive for accuracy and completeness in our blog posts, we cannot guarantee they are error-free. Enrich Package (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions.