THE Penang government has continued its push towards a sustainable future with the fourth round of the “Say No to Single-Use Plastic, Bring Your Own Container” campaign, which took place at the Tanjung Bungah Wet Market today.
Aimed at encouraging residents to reduce the use of single-use plastics, the campaign was jointly organised by Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang (PWMPP) and Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari. Zairil attended the event alongside his wife, Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, who serves as PWMPP assistant secretary.
PWMPP president Tan Lean Kee said the campaign had previously been held successfully in Bukit Tengah, Taman Chai Leng and other locations, with participation from state dignitaries including Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao Leung, and state executive councillor Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu.
Tan expressed her appreciation to the local hawkers and the Tanjung Bungah Market Traders Association for supporting the initiative and for piloting the concept of an eco-friendly marketplace.
“Since 1 March, Penang has enforced a statewide ban on plastic bag distribution at supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, and fast-food outlets,” she said.
“This builds on the state’s anti-plastic campaign, first launched in 2009. Penangites have adapted well to bringing their own bags when shopping, as plastic pollution threatens not only human health but also marine life, birds, and drainage systems.”
To further support this effort, Tan said Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara is collaborating with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), MBSP and the Penang Green Council to distribute reusable tiffin carriers to market-goers at hawker centres across the state.
“Our goal is to foster the habit of bringing personal containers when purchasing food,” she added.
Tan emphasised the need for collective community action to eliminate single-use plastics, urging the public to support the campaign and protect the environment.
Zairil noted that Penang has long been at the forefront of recycling and plastic reduction initiatives.
“Our recycling rate currently stands at 50%, higher than the national average of 40%. I firmly believe we can achieve 70% by 2030,” he said.
He added that the Tanjung Bungah constituency has actively embraced the green initiative and has worked with the Penang Green Council since 2022 to establish a recycling station at the market.
“The public can collect points and redeem cash coupons by disposing of recyclable waste,” he said.
Among those present at the event were MBPP councillor Koay Gaik Kee and staff members from the Tanjung Bungah Service Centre.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee