GEORGE TOWN, April 27 -- Penang is on track to implement a full ban on single-use plastics from September 1 while introducing biodegradable plastics as replacement materials.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government is already looking into alternative materials that resemble plastic but are biodegradable.

"The state government is targeting the use of these alternative materials to begin as early as August 31, depending on supply readiness and industry preparedness," he told reporters in a press conference after launching the Penang Green Industry Forum 2026 in The Olive Tree Hotel here today.

He said the proposed replacement materials must possess characteristics similar to conventional plastic to ensure they remai...