THE Penang Green Council (PGC) has been appointed as the lead stakeholder for the Stakeholders Consultations for the Circular Cities Project by International Urban Cooperation (IUC) Asia.
IUC Asia is currently working on the Circular Cities Project; a project which aimed at fostering city-to-city cooperation between Penang and several European cities. The project is financed by the European Union (EU).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he was happy to take part in the Stakeholders Consultations webinar today.
“Today’s webinar, by IUC Asia and co-organised by PGC, provides a platform for continuous collaboration on circular economy efforts in Malaysia. It also promotes city-to-city cooperation between cities in Europe and Penang in three key areas – research and innovation, knowledge transfer of best practices, and exploring investments and business opportunities,” he said in his welcoming remarks.
Chow shared the state’s efforts in reducing the use of single-use plastics.
“Penang has taken the lead to launch the ‘No Free Plastic Bag Day’ in 2009.
“Since last year (2019), we have gradually implemented the ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We have also introduced the ‘No Plastic Straws by Default’ campaign.
“Penang is the first state to ban the use of polystyrene.
“We are working towards reducing plastic wastes being sent to our landfill,” Chow said.
He added that the Penang government launched the ‘Waste Segregation at Source’ policy in 2016.
“We have achieved the highest recycling rate in the country at 46.61% last year and we strive to improve further,” Chow said.
Chow said that waste is an untapped resource for bioenergy.
“The lack of a functioning system for sustainable waste management is an area where change is necessary,” he said.
Among the participants in the webinar were Penang Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, Seberang Perai City Council mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud, PGC general manager Josephine Tan, IUC Asia sustainable urban development expert team leader Pablo Gandara and IUC Asia circular economy consultant Jacqueline Chang.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Law Suun Ting