THE Penang government will fully enforce its ‘No Single-Use Plastic’ initiative starting next year after holding a total of eight dialogue sessions with stakeholders.
State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said he had organised five dialogue sessions to date.
“This is the fifth dialogue session, which is a way of getting the stakeholders engaged. It’s an opportunity to get their feedback.
“Today, we have representatives from schools in Penang.
“The state aims to fully enforce the initiative next year,” he said during the ‘No Single-Use Plastic’ dialogue in Komtar this morning.
Also present was MBPP environmental health and licensing director Dr Judy Shoba.
“It is not an enforcement, but more of an awareness exercise for the public to take ownership of the programme,” he said, adding that outlets and premises would be informed of the guidelines when they renew their licences next year.
Phee said the remaining three dialogue sessions for ‘No Single-Use Plastic’ would be held in May and June.
He said school teachers could be game changers in the ‘No Single-Use Plastic’ initiative by preparing students to be ready for the change.
“We urge the public to show their full support, and hope that by 2030, there will be no more of these single-use plastics.”
On a different matter, Phee said a lot of illegal dumping were recently found in the Sungai Nibong area, near Bayan Baru.
“A task force has been set up to monitor the situation. Legal action will be taken against those responsible.
“We advise those involved to ensure that their waste are sent directly to Pulau Burung instead of being dumped else where,” he stressed.
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by J. Kirrthana