Singapore, Nov. 14 -- I applaud the extension of the initiative by FairPrice to levy a 10-cent or 20-cent surcharge for plastic bags at 25 outlets (FairPrice extends 'no plastic bag' trial for another year, Nov 5).
As shoppers, we do have a responsibility to reduce our use of such bags. It is heartening to see that the majority of those surveyed were supportive of the initial "no plastic bag" trial.
However, it is true that lower-income groups are affected more by the fee. Additionally, single-use plastic bags are reused as bin liners, maintaining hygiene in our estates. In order to effectively change consumer behaviour, it is not enough to charge fees every time shoppers forget to bring their own bags.
I suggest that a reward system ...