THE Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) has taken a step forward towards a greener Penang by encouraging the use of biodegradable straws at its food premises.
Its general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said the initiative had already started since March 1 this year as part of the corporation’s green practice awareness campaign to preserve and conserve the hill.
“Through this, we aim to encourage beverage vendors and restaurants at Penang Hill to refrain from using plastic straws and opt for biodegradable products such as edible straws instead.
“PHC also has surveyed around and found that the edible straws from Nlytech Biotech Sdn Bhd is suitable for use and created a platform for Nlytech to pitch to the food stall operators on the hill, in which they agreed and decided to try it out.
“So, the food premises will provide their customers to either go without plastic straws or opt to purchase edible straws for 20sen each to go with their drinks.
“This initiative is expected to significantly reduce plastic waste at Penang Hill.
“Thus, we urge all our visitors to also support this initiative and use environmentally friendly products while they dine at Penang Hill.
“While the edible straws may cost 20sen more, the impact it has on the environment and wildlife is of greater value,” Cheok told a press conference at Penang Hill today.
Also present were state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong and Nlytech Group founder and chief executive officer YT Law.
According to Law, biodegradable straws provided at food premises at Penang Hill are known as ‘rice straws’.
“It is made up of 100% natural ingredients and completely edible by both humans and wildlife.
“These rice straws are non-toxic and will take no more than 90 days to decompose when disposed,” he added.
Phee commended PHC for the efforts and also encouraged other companies, associations and food premises to emulate the initiative.
Meanwhile, Cheok said PHC would also continue to engage with stakeholders regularly to ramp up awareness and encourage businesses and visitors to gradually find better environmentally friendly alternatives and reduce single-use plastics, such as straws, plastic bottles and plastic wrappings at Penang Hill.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal