Public acceptance towards no plastic bags programme in Shah Alam, Selangor / Norfarahin Nordin

The usage of plastic bags has increased in recent decades that has contributed to crucial environmental problems affected from the uncontrolled usage of plastic bags in daily life. No Plastic Bag Programme (NPBP) had been launched by the Malaysian government with the objective to reduce the number of plastic bag usage and to protect the environment. This study examines the factors that influence public acceptance towards No Plastic Bags Programme (NPBP) in Shah Alam, Selangor. Stratified random sampling and convenience sampling of 384 respondents in Shah Alam were asked to answer the questionnaire regarding the level of public acceptance towards No Plastic Bags Programme. The relationship of government policy, levy imposed, and public awareness towards public acceptance on No Plastic Bags Programme in Shah Alam, Selangor were further examined. Not surprisingly, the community in Shah Alam has high level of public acceptance since the most contributing factor that lead to their acceptance was the levy imposed. This study also indicates that gender which acts as moderating variable in this study does not have significance relationship with the public acceptance towards the programme. The study provided strong evidence that it is crucial for the authorities to raise public awareness regarding the impacts of plastic bags towards the nation.