Malaysia has been taking many of the right steps forward to reduce waste problems, be it food or plastics. Just today, Selangor has officially started its soft ban on plastic straws. Recently, we’ve also heard of a Malaysian company making edible rice straws to reduce plastic waste. Now, we’re receiving news of Penang putting in initiative to stop distribution of plastic bags, starting today.
Penang Starts to Stop Distribution of Plastic Bags Today
A voluntary initiative begins today in Penang, whereby shoppers will not be provided with a plastic bag even if they are willing to pay for it.
Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Datuk Rozali Mohamud said 541 registered premises on the mainland had stepped forward to support the initiative.
“Among them are 152 chain stores, 102 pharmacies, 49 fast food restaurants, 43 convenience stores and 37 fuel stations.”
At Billion Shopping Centre in Serebang Jaya yesterday, he said that this initiative would mean that customers will need to bring their own storage containers and recyclable bags should they want to shop. He also added that this initiative is an attempt to further reduce the usage of plastic bags.
However, premises that do not support this initiative are still free to charge 20 sens for each use of a plastic bag, as this initiative is starting on a voluntary basis.
Penang Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said Penang was the first state of the country to launch the ‘No Free Plastic Bag Campaign’ back in 2009. He said this new campaign was an extension of the successful campaigns against plastic bag usage in the state.
Ang Hung Kook, Billion Shopping Centre (Seberang Jaya) sales manager, said about 200 plastic bags were sold monthly at the supermarket. Ang also said that with the awareness campaigns in place, their customers have started to bring their own bags.
Previously Related: Critical Levels: Food Wastage at 3,000 Tonnes Per Day in Malaysia
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