Malaysia will launch a road map towards zero single-use plastics next month, which includes a policy on the charge for plastic bags at shops, giving out plastic straws only upon request by consumers, encouraging hydrocarbon-based plastic manufacturers in the country to switch to more eco-friendly products such as reusable straws. "The ministry doesn’t want to kill the plastic manufacturers but prepare them to produce more eco-friendly products. The ministry wants to help plastic manufacturers to grow with alternative (products).", said Minister Yeo Bee Yin. During the town hall, Yeo also told participants that Malaysia ranked eighth internationally in mismanaged plastic waste pollution. "Malaysia is the fourth largest plastic exporter in ASEAN and is ranked number 25 in global plastic exports in 2017," she added.

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