THE state government has taken a bold step in its sustainability efforts with the launch of the ‘No Plastic Bag Every Day’ enforcement. The initiative, which began on March 1, aims to eliminate single-use plastic bags statewide by encouraging consumers to bring their own reusable bags and containers.
The campaign includes a six-month transition period to help businesses, and the public adjust before full enforcement begins in September this year.
State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim stressed that bringing one’s own container is not a new concept but rather a return to past habits.
“In the past, our elders would bring lunch boxes or bowls when purchasing takeaway food.
“Thus, this initiative is not asking people to make a drastic change, but rather to embrace a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
“We also understand that Penang has a rich variety of food, and some dishes may not be easy to pack in personal containers.
“That’s why we must take gradual steps to find a solution that balances environmental protection with our food culture,” said Lim.
For food vendors, the shift to a plastic-free system requires adaptation.
David Cheong, a hawker at Sin Nam Hong Café, fully supports the initiative.
“Plastic bags cost us hundreds of ringgit every month. Some customers don’t just take one, they take multiple.
“With this initiative, people will slowly pick up the habit of bringing their own containers, which benefits both businesses and the environment in the long run,” Cheong said.
Similarly, Andy Low, a 20-year-old student from Han Chiang University College of Communication whose family runs a restaurant in Ipoh, believes the initiative is both practical and necessary.
“My family has been in the food industry for years, and we always encourage customers to bring their own containers.
“It’s not just environmentally friendly but also cost-effective for both businesses and consumers.
“In Ipoh, we are also taking our first steps in reducing plastic waste, including my family. We plan to charge customers for plastic bags in the near future.
“At first, it may take time to adapt, but in the long run, it reduces waste and promotes better hygiene. I believe this is a step in the right direction,” Low said.
Citing a 2023 Environmental Science & Technology journal study, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran noted that Malaysians consume an average of 502 milligrams of microplastics per person, ranking among the highest of 109 surveyed countries.
He also highlighted that 50% of these microplastics come from food contamination.
“Penang was the first state in Malaysia to introduce plastic education and, in 2009, launched the ‘Say No to Single-Use Plastic’ campaign to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste,” he said.
He added that Penang’s recycling rate has reached 43.72%, significantly higher than the national average of 35.38%.
According to data from the Pulau Burung landfill, 50,216.29 metric tonnes of plastic waste were buried in 2023, accounting for 21% of the total waste of 240,325.20 metric tonnes.
“MBPP is also actively promoting the reduction of single-use plastics and encouraging hawkers and businesses to participate in this green movement,” Rajendran said.
As for Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng, she believes in leading by example.
“This is a great initiative, and I believe we should all play our part.
“Personally, I make it a habit to bring my own thermos whenever I grab my morning coffee at Syndicate Coffee in Komtar.
“Small changes like these can inspire others to do the same and contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Ong.
The ‘No Plastic Bag Every Day’ enforcement aligns with Penang2030, the state’s vision of becoming a family-focused, green, and smart state. By encouraging sustainable habits and reducing reliance on single-use plastics, the initiative supports Penang’s commitment to environmental resilience and a low-carbon future.
Story by Lim Min Jun
Pix by Alissala Thian