THE Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang (PWMPP) has joined hands with the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to promote sustainability through the ‘No Single-Use Plastic’ campaign, launched at Chai Leng Park Hawker Centre.
At the ceremony, PWMPP chairman Madam Tan Lean Kee, together with state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, distributed 32 ‘tiffin’ containers to the hawkers, with an additional 100 containers set to be given to visitors.
It is learned that PWMPP has contributed the ‘tiffin’ containers as a gesture of support for efforts to reduce plastic waste while complementing the recently launched ‘Penang No Plastic Bag Everyday Campaign 2025’.
Tan said that this is part of an effort to encourage the use of reusable food containers and reduce dependence on plastic.
“I would like to thank all the traders and management at the Chai Leng Park Hawker Centre for their willingness to make this location a model for sustainability.
“This is an important first step in reducing the use of single-use plastics and setting a positive example for the surrounding community.
“I believe this initiative will be successful with the support of all parties. Support from the community, traders, local governments, and non-governmental organisations is key to making this campaign a success.
“To start, we can take simple steps such as bringing our own food containers when buying food, using reusable bags when shopping, and encouraging others around us to do the same.”
Sundarajoo expressed his hope that this Merdeka (Independence Day), Penang will be also be free from the use of single-use plastic bags.
“I believe many Penangites have already adapted to bringing recycling bags with them when purchasing items, and most of them keep those bags with them.
“Previously, the Chai Leng Park neighbourhood used to be flooded due to flash floods caused by rubbish, including plastics, blocking the drainage system.
“However, after the cleanup was done by my team, it no longer floods,” Sundarajoo said, adding that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility.
Sundarajoo highlighted that plastic bags ingested by fish eventually break down into microplastics, which can harm humans when consumed.
MBSP mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid shared that to ensure the success of this programme, the waste segregation at source guidelines and the distribution of flyers regarding the ‘No Single-Use Plastics’ campaign were provided to the traders.
“Additionally, this campaign will introduce the 8R concept, namely Rethink, Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, Repair, Regift, Recover, and Recycle as a guide to changing daily habits towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
“With the active involvement of traders, local communities, and visitors, I believe this effort will yield positive results “ he said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis