Just as we are getting used to Consumption Tax, the Ministry of Finance is proposing a new tax, the "Plas Tax" they hope will raise the awareness of litter as an issue in Tonga.

"Plas Tax", will be a tax on lightweight plastic shopping bags - better known to Tongans as 'funeral food bags'.

The difference this time, is that the minister is using Plas Tax as a Pilot Exercise in consultation with the public over a tax before it is tabled into parliament. He urged the public to obtain a copy of the consultation document when it is released and to make submissions on the proposed Plas Tax.

In a Press Release from the Ministry of Finance on Friday May 20, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Siosiua 'Utoikamanu, described Plas Tax as "a very progressive idea". He said it is pro-business because it would eliminate the cost to retailers and food distributors of supplying free plastic bags, and it would promote traditional handicrafts to create substitute shopping bags from indigenous, renewable materials.

"From an environmental, social, cultural and business development perspective, I believe this is a progressive measure being contemplated. In this regards, Tonga has the opportunity to take a leadership role in the South Western Pacific. All Pacific island countries are vulnerable to global warming and environmental degradation. It is an important issue for all such countries going forward."

The Minister said that the proposed Plas Tax will be charged by the retailer to the shopper, at 20 seniti per bag tax on this lightweight singlet type shopping bag. He said that the revenue raised would assist with government's existing environmental programmes.

"What many people are not aware of is the environmental consequence caused by plastic shopping bags. We have all seen such bags stuck in trees, bushes, mangroves, along our waterways, on the waterfront and in other public places. These bags are not only unsightly, they pose an existing threat to domestic animals and wildlife, including turtles, which often die as a result of eating plastic bags. It is my hope that Plas Tax will raise the awareness of litter as an issue in Tonga and make people think twice before accepting and discarding non-recyclable packing, said. Hon 'Utoikamanu"