THE Penang government will increase its ‘No Plastic Bag’ campaign from every Monday now to every Tuesday and every Wednesday from next year, according to state Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.
Speaking at the Asian Vegetarian charity food fair in Bukit Mertajam yesterday, Phee said if countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Bangladesh could do it, he believed Penang too could forgo the use of plastic bags.
“From the bottom of my heart, I’m appealing to each and everyone of you (not to use plastic bag). Please send this message to every member of your family,” Phee said in his speech at the food fair held at the Dewan Ng Yam Huat.
“Penang is the first state in Malaysia to say ‘No Free Plastic Bag Day’. When I announced the ‘No Free Plastic Bag’ 10 years ago, a lot of people laughed at me. But today, the world is crying due to the plastic problems.
“I believe Penang can do it. And I am begging each and everyone of you today. This is to protect our environment.”
Phee has been making impassioned pleas to the public to lend their support, especially saying ‘No to Plastic Straws and Single-use Plastics’ as well as ‘No to Plastic Bag’.
Ten years ago, Penang launched the ‘No Free Plastic Bag’ campaign but shoppers could still buy plastic bag for 20 sen each.
But since July 1 this year, the state government has started the ‘No Plastic Bag’ campaign by encouraging businesses to voluntarily stop providing plastic bags on every Monday even if shoppers are willing to pay for them.
Earlier in his speech, Phee praised Datuk Leslie Lee for being the main sponsor of the food fair, which was organised by Chung De Confucian Association, to help the underprivileged.
Lee, who has been the Chung De Confucian Association adviser for the past 10 years, is also the president of D’Home Mental Health Association for the past 15 years.
Phee said he has worked with Lee since 2008 and commended him for his untiring effort.
“Today, it’s not about just promoting vegetarian food but also encouraging family gathering.
“I’ve many opportunities to visit this kind of food fair and usually, when we talk about family affair, it involves not only our own family but also the extended family.
“Everybody is a big family. With good moral values, we can make this world a better place to live in. I hope this event will continue,” Phee added.
Lee said he was glad that the event, held in Bukit Mertajam for the first time, was a success as about 5,000 turned up.
“The charity food fair is one of the association’s two main events for the year. The association inculcates Confucian values like filial piety, loyalty, hard work, responsibility and righteousness.
“We’ve 40 stalls, including from Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand. Next year, we intend to invite more Asian countries to take part. This, in a way, will also promote Penang and boost its tourism. The proceeds of the event will be go to four charitable homes,” said Lee, whose wife Neoh Guan Eng, has been a senior board member of the association.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Joanne Fong Chee Yin