Plastic bags consist of synthetic organic polymers that are produced for one-time usage to carry things around. They are lightweight, cheap for mass production and often distributed at no cost in places such as supermarket and shopping malls. There might be numerous factors that affect this increasing usage of plastic bags among the public. The overall objective of this study was to identify factors that influence plastic bag consumption among Malaysians using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Data were collected by distributing an online questionnaire to the local community. Non-probability purposive sampling method was adopted to select the three states in Malaysia. The path analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between predictor factors (i.e., attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intention) and minimal plastic bag usage. A total of 386 people from different ages and backgrounds in Malaysia participated in the research. The findings showed that an individual’s attitude (β = 0.331) and perceived behaviour (β = 0.414) significantly influenced the intention to use plastic bags. The perceived behavioural control (β = 0.329) and intention (β = 0.486) have also significantly influenced the behaviour to minimise plastic bag usage. However, subjective norms did not significantly influence the intention (β = 0.060). This study showed that perceived behavioural control and intention are important predictors towards minimal usage of plastic bags. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance education and awareness programmes among the public in order to change the attitude, perceived behavioural control and intention towards minimal usage of plastic bags. High generation and mismanagement of plastic bag waste, which may lead to a negative impact on environmental health, are the main issues that should be addressed properly by the Malaysian population.

Jeffery Stephen

ASM Science Journal

The ASM Science Journal publishes advancements in the broad fields of medical, engineering, earth, mathematical, physical, chemical and agricultural sciences as well as ICT. Scientific articles published will be on the basis of originality, importance and significant contribution to science, scientific research and the public.     Scientific articles published will be on the basis of originality, importance and significant contribution to science, scientific research and the public. Scientists who subscribe to the fields listed above will be the source of papers to the journal. All articles will be reviewed by at least two experts in that particular field.

The ASM Science Journal publishes the latest research advancements in the fields of medical, engineering, earth, mathematical, physical, chemical, and agricultural sciences, as well as information and communication technology (ICT). All published scientific articles must demonstrate originality, significance, and a substantial contribution to science, scientific research, and the public. The papers submitted to the journal are sourced from scientists in the aforementioned fields, and all articles will be reviewed by at least two experts in the respective field.

ASM科学期刊发表医学、工程、地球、数学、物理、化学和农业科学以及信息与通信技术（ICT）领域的最新研究进展。所有发表的科学文章必须具备原创性、重要性和对科学、科研及公众的显著贡献。该期刊的论文来源于上述领域的科学家，所有文章将由至少两位该领域的专家进行审稿。

Predicting Minimal Usage of Plastic Bags Behaviour among Malaysian Adults

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