THE single-use plastic ban reflects the state government’s sustained commitment to environmental sustainability, building on green initiatives introduced in earlier years. As such, its implementation has not affected hawkers and small traders.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow shared this during a walkabout, which is part of the ‘Jelajah CM’ series, at the Chai Leng Park Wet Market and its food court today. Also joining Chow was Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
According to Chow, in line with the vision and objectives of the state’s green agenda, if biodegradable alternatives to plastic bags become available, they can be implemented in wet markets and hawker centres.
“This single-use plastic ban initiative is a continuation of earlier campaigns, beginning with the ‘No Free Plastic Bag Day’, followed by the ‘No Free Plastic Bag Every Day’ campaign, and now the move towards eliminating single-use plastic bags.
“Throughout these campaigns, hawkers and small traders have been exempted, as the focus has primarily been on shopping malls, chain stores and other large retail outlets.
“Currently, this policy does not affect our hawkers and small traders,” said Chow, who is also the Batu Kawan MP.
Meanwhile, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, who also accompanied Chow, highlighted ongoing efforts to develop alternatives to plastic bags that resemble conventional plastic but are biodegradable.
“We understand the need for bags that look and feel like plastic, yet are highly biodegradable, for use in wet markets and by hawkers. Our state will be the first to embark on this initiative.
“Today, we distributed approximately 1,200 reusable cloth bags to market-goers, hawkers and traders to promote greener practices, and they were well received.
“We hope that by September 1 this year, the state will be completely free of single-use plastic bags with the introduction of biodegradable, plastic-like alternatives,” Sundarajoo, who is also the Perai assemblyman, added.
Sim shared that the walkabout provided a valuable opportunity to answer queries while engaging with people on the ground.
“Our walkabout was very productive, with some people asking about the state’s plastic bag policy and my recent announcement on the SME Bank Success Scheme,” he said.
Also present were state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze and other dignitaries.
Pictures taken during the walkabout:-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix & Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat