Core Points - From September 1, Penang, a well-known tourist city in Malaysia, will implement a "Daily No Plastic Bag" policy [1] - This policy prohibits the use of plastic bags in supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and pharmacies, even if customers are willing to pay [1] - Only traditional markets and open dining centers are temporarily allowed to continue using plastic bags, but they are required to gradually reduce their usage [1] Summary by Sections - **Policy Implementation** - The "No Plastic Bag" policy will take effect on September 1, 2023, in Penang [1] - Consumers and tourists will not receive plastic bags at various retail and dining establishments [1] - **Historical Context** - Penang began promoting plastic reduction measures in 2009, becoming the first state in Malaysia to charge for plastic bags [1] - The state has progressively increased the fees for plastic bags and restricted their usage over the years [1] - **Preparation for Policy** - Since February 2023, Penang has encouraged the cessation of plastic bag usage and distributed free eco-friendly bags to foster a habit of bringing shopping bags [1]

Core Viewpoint - Hainan Province has pioneered a comprehensive "plastic ban" system to effectively address plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices in daily life [3][5][6]. Group 1: Implementation of the Plastic Ban - Hainan is the first province in China to implement a "plastic ban" through local legislation, which prohibits the production, transportation, sale, storage, and use of single-use non-degradable plastic products [5][6]. - The province has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes a negative list of banned products, local standards, and a traceable management platform for biodegradable products [6][7]. - As of last year, the replacement product adoption rate in key industries reached 81.1%, demonstrating significant progress in the implementation of the ban [6]. Group 2: Community Engagement and Initiatives - The "No Plastic Ocean" community initiative encourages residents to reduce single-use plastic by rewarding them for using reusable shopping bags, fostering a culture of sustainability [4][5]. - The province has launched various campaigns and actions, such as the "21-day basket cultivation plan," to engage the public in reducing plastic usage [4][7]. Group 3: Industry Development and Economic Impact - Hainan's focus on the "plastic ban" has led to the growth of the biodegradable materials industry, with total production and sales reaching 26,000 tons and a revenue of 406 million yuan last year, marking year-on-year increases of 69.8% and 68.3% respectively [8]. - The province has established a national key laboratory for the quality and safety evaluation of biodegradable materials, positioning itself as a leader in the development of local standards for biodegradable plastics [8].