THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has introduced the state’s first Rice Bag Recycling Programme, aimed at encouraging recycling habits and reducing single-use plastic waste.
Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the initiative, organised in collaboration with Jasmine Food Corporation Sdn Bhd, Sunshine Central Penang, and the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), will take place on Oct 24 at Hotel Atrium, Sunshine Central, Air Itam, starting at 3pm.
He said the programme allows members of the public to exchange used plastic rice bags — from any brand and weighing 5kg or 10kg — for free rice.
“Each exchange qualifies participants to receive 1kg of Jasmine rice worth RM8, limited to the first 500 participants,” he said during a press conference to launch the programme here today.
Rajendran said the initiative aligns with MBPP’s agenda to promote waste separation at source and reduce dependence on single-use plastics, extending the lifespan of the state’s only solid waste disposal site.
“The collected rice bags will be handed over to MBPP’s Urban Services Department for proper recycling,” he added.
Also present were MBPP councillors, MBPP Urban Services Department director Rashidah Jalaludin, and representatives from the participating companies.
In conjunction with the MBPP Hawkers’ Day 2025 celebration, Rajendran announced that the council has also launched the ‘Bring Your Own Container’ campaign, encouraging the public to use their own food containers when purchasing from local council food premises.
“This effort supports Penang’s vision of becoming a green and sustainable state, where every layer of society plays an active role in protecting the environment.
“MBPP hopes to expand these initiatives to other locations, including Sunshine Square, Bayan Baru and high-density areas, so more residents can benefit,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian