The mandatory switch to biodegradable plastic and paper bags enforced on Jan 1 has received a positive response.

Federal Territories deputy minister Loga Bala Mohan said some traders and hawkers had yet to oblige but noted that the ruling was still in transition before being fully enforced on Sept 1.

"There are grouses from traders but not that vehement. We use the 3E formula that is, educate, engagement (with the community) and enforcement, to get the point across.

"For now, the enforcement is more on reprimand to educate the community. So far the ministry is satisfied," he told reporters after launching the Fly the Federal Territory Flag Campaign in Putrajaya.

When the ruling is fully enforced in September, errant traders and hawkers could be imposed a compound of up to the maximum RM2,000 by the Federal Territories Ministry.

Loga Bala said the ministry's proactive move was aimed at increasing public awareness of the health risk of non-degradable plastics and polystyrene, besides boosting the development of the biodegradable product industry.

The campaign on the use of biodegradable products was launched by Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor on June 3, 2016.

- Bernama