THE Penang government is working towards a ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ on every Monday at supermarkets and hypermarkets from July 1st this year.
State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said he was confident that the public would support the move.
“From today, we are appealing to the people of Penang not to buy plastic bags from supermarkets or hypermarkets every Monday. This is on a voluntary basis,” Phee told reporters after opening the Penang Green Idol 2019 Earth Day celebration at Penang Hill today.
“If you go to a hypermarket or supermarket, bring your own bag. And I appeal to the hypermarkets and supermarkets that even if the shoppers want to buy (plastic bags), don’t sell. That is to show you are committed to the cause. It’s not about money anymore, it’s about the environment
“We are going to start as soon as possible because of Earth Day (celebration on April 22) and then if everything goes well, Penang may impose that kind of ruling from 1st July but subject to approval from the state government.”
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Penang is the first state to introduce no plastic bags at supermarkets and hypermarkets, but for those shoppers who need them, they have to pay 20 sen per plastic bag.
Phee cited Kenya as a good example. He said when he attended the fourth United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, passengers were told before the plane landed to surrender all plastic bags as Kenya does not allow its importation. So, everybody took out whatever plastic bags and gave them to the plane (personnel).
“Even if you want to buy plastic bags in their supermarkets, they won’t sell. They only sell you recycled bags which are quite expensive. On one side of the recycled bag, they printed the words ‘Bring Your Own Bag.’ If Kenya can do it, why can’t Penang do it?”
Phee said he was optimistic of getting positive feedback after making the announcement today. This would be followed up by the state engaging with hypermarkets and supermarkets before implementing it on July 1 on an educational level.
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“People take time to adjust. People have the right to do business but it’s not their right to destroy the environment. When we celebrate Earth Day, we must have a resolution. If we can have ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ starting on Monday, it fulfils one of our wishes. We ask the people to please volunteer and those who have any comments, let us know. And those who feel this is a good policy, campaign on our behalf.”
He added that in 2009, former Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced the country would go for a 22% recycling rate by the year 2020 but Penang had achieved it by 2010.
“So, I am very proud that I am a Penangite. I am very proud that Penangites are very concerned about the environment and give their full support to it. I really appreciate them,” he said.
On the no-straw campaign, Phee said it was gaining momentum as a lot of people are accepting the ‘No Single-Use Plastic’ ruling.
“People are buying in and taking ownership. They said once we implement it, they will follow. I told them to finish their stock and don’t give out anymore.”
Phee congratulated Penang Green Council (PGC) for organising the Poem Recital Competition as the event was a platform for the future leaders to share their green ideas and thoughts on environmental issues.
Also present were PGC general manager Josephine Tan and Penang Hill Corporation corporate management services division manager Sumirahilin Sedek.
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Tan said they selected ‘Beauty of Nature’ as one of the themes to coincide with Earth Day’s 2019 theme (Protect Our Species) for the poem competition and held it at Penang Hill to witness the beauty of nature.
She added that in conjunction with the smoking ban in all eateries which began on 1 January 2019, they chose ‘Dangers of Smoking’ as their second theme for the competition.
Out of the 90 pupils from various schools registered for the competition, 48 qualified to vie for the Penang Green Council titles in four categories, namely Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil.
“I would like to thank Penang Hill Corporation for being our venue sponsor and for all their support. I am very happy to see the overwhelming participation, interest and enthusiasm shown by the youngsters in this competition.
“The objective of this competition is to nurture critical thinking and enhance young students’ knowledge and awareness on the environment. We hope that this learning platform will encourage youth in active thinking on environment issues and concerns, critically and constructively.”
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Humaira Yasin