KPKT Roadmap: The 2026 Shift
Beyond Single-Use Plastics

"The focus is no longer just on 'No Plastic Bag Days' on weekends. We are moving towards a unified federal pollution levy and a complete phase-out of non-essential single-use items."

PUTRAJAYA — Malaysia is entering the most critical phase of its Roadmap towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030. While the policy was originally drafted by NRES (formerly MESTECC), the implementation weight now falls heavily on the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to enforce compliance at the municipal level.

Minister Nga Kor Ming has reiterated that sustainable waste management and circular economy practices are central to the ministry's agenda. With 2026 marked as a key milestone in the national roadmap, businesses must prepare for a shift from "voluntary charge" to "mandatory ban."

The 2026 Milestone: What Changes?

According to the roadmap, the period of 2022-2025 was designated for the widespread implementation of the pollution charge (e.g., the 20 sen levy). As we approach 2026, the policy framework shifts gears:

Enforcement at the PBT Level

KPKT governs the Local Authorities (PBTs) responsible for business licensing. In states like Selangor, Penang, and Johor, PBTs have already begun linking business license renewals to plastic compliance.

"The challenge has always been monitoring," notes an industry policy analyst. "Without a digital system, checking if a warung or a supermarket is complying with the plastic ban requires manual inspections. This is where KPKT's push for smart city governance becomes vital."

The Role of Digital Verification

To prepare for 2026, retailers are increasingly turning to digital platforms to track their packaging footprint. Rasuseco offers a solution for retailers to:

• Digitally log the number of plastic bags sold vs. reusable bags used.
• Generate audit-ready reports for PBT license renewals.
• Prove the usage of certified biodegradable alternatives (SIRIM ECO 001/009 standards).

With the circular economy now a national agenda, the "make-take-dispose" era is officially ending. For Malaysian businesses, the 2026 timeline is not a suggestion—it is the new baseline for operation.