THE Penang Green Council (PGC) plans to establish water refill stations across the state to reduce the plastic waste from the purchase of disposable bottled drinks.
Its general manager Josephine Tan said the first station has been installed at an open space in front of the transit centre for the homeless in Jalan C.Y. Choy.
“Our aim is to reduce the single use of plastic bottle waste while providing free drinking water to the people and tourists.
“With the availability of free water refill stations, it will encourage the public to carry their own water bottles when going out.
“They can refill their bottles at these stations when they are thirsty, which helps to increase environmental awareness among the people,” she said in an interview.
Tan said that filtered water stations were already popular in many countries.
“Such initiative has been successful in reducing plastic bottle waste.
“In Australia, Japan, and other countries, water refill stations are common. We have taken inspiration from their successful models and hope to implement this environmental concept in Penang,” she added.
Tan said they plan to introduce the concept of free water refill stations to enhance the environmental efforts in Penang.
“We are now drafting a proposal to be submitted to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) respectively.
“Once approved, they will proceed with a pilot project for the water refill stations.
“All these stations need a designated person-in-charge to handle the regular maintenance, with an estimated annual cost of RM4,000 per station,” she said.
On the places to instal these stations, Tan pointed out that tourist attractions, recreational parks, and hiking trails were considered for the pilot project.
“Tourists will reduce the purchase of bottled drinks, while this helps to promote the state’s commitment towards environmental sustainability,” she said, adding that the private sector would be roped in this initiative.
Story by Edmund Lee