PENANG is taking a decisive step towards a plastic-free future as the state government, through the Penang Green Council (PGC), moves to formulate the Penang No Single Use Plastic (NSUP) Framework, a comprehensive policy aimed at further reducing plastic waste across the state.
PGC chief executive officer Josephine Tan Mei Ling said the framework is expected to be launched in 2027, marking another milestone in Penang’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability.
“Penang has been a pioneer in this area. We were the first state to introduce the ‘No Free Plastic Bag’ campaign in 2009, followed by the implementation of a ‘no plastic bag every day’ policy last year.
“We also led the way in charging for plastic bags and banning plastic straws,” she said in an interview with Buletin Mutiara recently.
Tan explained that while various measures targeting single-use plastics have already been introduced, they currently exist as separate policies and guidelines.
“It is timely for the state government to develop the NSUP Framework. This framework will act as a comprehensive umbrella, providing clear direction not only to business operators, but also to plastic manufacturers,” she said.
For the public, Tan stressed that the framework signals the need for a shift in mindset.
“It is time for consumers to gradually transition towards more sustainable packaging solutions, including suitable alternatives such as reusable bags,” she added.
According to Tan, Penang’s mission to eliminate single-use plastic bags officially began on Sept 1 last year, with the ban enforced at hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, petrol station shops, pharmacies, fast food outlets and other licensed premises statewide.
“Last year’s initiative was guided mainly by specific guidelines on plastic bags and straws, rather than a full framework.
“With the upcoming NSUP Framework, we will expand our focus to include more categories of single-use plastics. Importantly, the framework will also outline recommended alternatives,” she said.
Among the alternatives being considered she said are new materials that resemble conventional plastic but are produced using biotransformation technology.
“These products contain additives that allow them to break down into microorganisms and eventually turn into wax-like substances that are more environmentally friendly,” Tan explained.
She added that any such product must be certified under the SIRIM Eco 098 label, underscoring the importance of working closely with SIRIM as the country’s official certification body.
“Once approved, the NSUP Framework will be adopted as an official state policy,” said Tan.
Tan acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges in implementing the ‘No Single-Use Plastics’ initiative lies in identifying suitable alternatives for hawkers and wet market traders.
“For these traders, plastic bags are lightweight, affordable and practical, especially for items such as soup-based dishes and fresh produce.
“At this stage, hawkers remain exempted from the policy. Through the framework, we hope to provide them with a clearer picture and workable options,” she said.
She noted that feedback gathered by PGC indicates that most hawkers are not opposed to change, but cost remains a key concern.
“If the state government can introduce a cost-effective alternative that does not affect their earnings, I believe they will be open to adopting it,” she said.
On a related note, Tan also highlighted PGC’s efforts to encourage reusable practices, including the distribution of reusable bags designed by the council.
“So far, 30,000 reusable bags have been distributed across Penang, and another 10,000 will be given out to the public during the upcoming Thaipusam celebration,” she said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting