IT is high time to revive the tradition of using natural materials as floats during the Masimagam Theppa Thiruvizha (Floating Chariot Festival) at Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple in Teluk Bahang, set to take place on March 12.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu urged devotees to opt for safer and environmentally friendly alternatives, such as plates made from betel nut tree leaves, paddy husks, and banana tree stems to carry the lights.
“In the early days, not only during Theppa Thiruvizha but also in other religious festivals conducted by the waters, we used natural oil lamps on banana stems. The banana stem floats well and biodegrades easily in the sea,” he said during a press conference today.
To prevent marine pollution and protect marine life, the state government, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP), Penang State Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS Penang), and the temple management are urging devotees to avoid using styrofoam or plastic materials for floating lanterns.
“As this festival is a way to express gratitude to God, Mother Nature, and the sea for the livelihood it provides, it is only fitting that we adopt environmentally friendly approaches to make it even more meaningful,” Sundarajoo added.
Sundarajoo highlighted that foam and plastic materials are among the major pollutants of the sea, posing a serious threat to the marine ecosystem.
“These materials are mistakenly ingested as food by marine life, such as fish and turtles, harming or killing them,” he added.
The recently launched ‘Penang No Plastic Bag Everyday Campaign 2025’ reaffirms the state government’s commitment to eliminating single-use plastic bags as part of its environmental sustainability efforts.
“There will be resistance to these initiatives, and people will take time to adapt. However, the government has a duty to implement these policies, and we have the support of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to drive this effort forward.
“On the day of the festival, any stalls selling styrofoam will be shut down by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP),” said Sundarajoo, who is also the Perai assemblyman.
Penang Green Council (PGC) general manager Josephine Tan commended the temples for embracing green initiatives in line with the state’s environmental policies.
“I would like to thank MHS Penang, CAP, and the temples for their commitment to sustainability. Achieving the green agenda requires not just policies but the collective effort of all stakeholders.
“Penang was one of the first states in Malaysia to ban styrofoam in 2009 when we introduced the ‘No Plastic Bags’ policy. With the newly launched ‘Penang No Plastic Bag Everyday Campaign 2025,’ Penang leads once more,” she said.
MHS Penang chairman A. Tharman noted that the campaign to ban synthetic foam and plastic materials during Theppa Thiruvizha has already helped reduce their usage.
CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow emphasised that every individual must play a role in keeping Penang cleaner and greener.
“I appreciate the collaboration with MHS Penang on this initiative. People from other states are taking note of Penang’s green efforts, and we extend our gratitude to the state government and PGC for their leadership in this area,” he said.
Also present at the press conference was Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple chairman A. Kanapathy.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis