Amendment Proposed to Reduce Plastic Bag Prices

Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Saleem has put forth a proposal to amend the Waste Management Act by advocating for a reduction in the price of plastic bags from MVR 2 to 50 Laari.

Saleem addressed the bill during the session arguing that the MVR 2 bag fee had been implemented during a period of escalating global commodity prices. 

One of Saleem’s propositions is to exempt the purchase of bulk bags used for transporting fish and decomposing waste from the bag fee. 

Additionally, he suggests revising the fee collection system to reduce administrative burdens on retail establishments and cafés. 

The introduction of a MVR 2 fee for plastic bags used in business transactions is a provision of the Waste Management Act, which was enacted on December 18th of the previous year. 

In response to public concerns about the imposition of a MVR 2 tax per bag, the government initiated efforts to amend the law in May. However, these initiatives were delayed due to political turbulence within the parliament.