A NEW initiative called ‘Take a Bag, Leave a Bag’ was launched at Sunshine Central in Air Itam today.
The initiative allows shoppers who forget to bring their own bags to take one provided at the hypermarket to carry their purchased items and return it another day. The reusable bags are placed near the exit for easy access.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, who officiated the event, said the initiative encourages reusable bag sharing at the hypermarket to reduce plastic use and promote community responsibility as the state went fully plastic bag-free on March 1 this year.
“We chose Sunshine to kickstart the project and observe the outcome after three months. The target was to collect 1,000 bags, but we’ve already gathered 2,100 bags. We may consider extending this programme to the markets.
“Our long-term vision is to normalise eco-friendly bag sharing and encourage bag donations. This project can also help households clear out unwanted reusable bags that might otherwise end up as waste.
“This initiative aligns with the state’s objectives, which the Penang Green Council is actively promoting. Through this small gesture, we can do our part to help save the earth,” Ng said in his speech.
He also expressed appreciation to Clarivate, INTI International College Penang, and Sunshine Central for their collaboration.
Also present at the launch ceremony were Penang Green Council general manager Josephine Tan, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Tan Soo Siang, Clavirate’s Shaun Lee, Global OMB senior director and Malaysia Site leader; Clavirate’s Shum Xiao Suan (Facilities Lead), Sunshine Central senior group manager (Marketing Communications) Bryan Wong, INTI International College Penang Dean of School of Business Christine Gan, INTI College Penang senior executive (Career Services) Janice Ko, and Northeast District penghulu Nasrizal Nasib.
Other attendees included the INTI project team, comprising project leader Lim Yong Jie, Lim Xin Yee, Felicia Yeap Sue Lin, Lee Jia Qi and Khaw Ru Ting.
Josephine Tan, who will oversee the hosting of Penang Green Summit (PGS) 2025 at the brand-new Penang Waterfront Convention Centre from tomorrow to Saturday, said she was delighted to witness the collaboration between the INTI students and Clavirate.
“This is a very meaningful project and I’m here to support them,” she said.
Lee said the initiative marked Clarivate’s second collaboration with INTI, following the earlier ‘Ikat Tepi’ project, where they collected 10,000 raffia strings and donated them to hawker centres, with an additional 8,000 to be donated soon.
“The students are very passionate about this project. I hope the Penang community will inculcate a stronger sense of sustainability so that what we use does not immediately become waste, but can be reused many times,” Lee said.
Gan thanked Clarivate for being a strong supporter and partner of the college, adding that she was proud of the students’ involvement.
“This project is also part of the students’ syllabus and has given them the opportunity to contribute to the community,” Gan said.
Yong Jie said her team had been preparing for the project since June, including collecting bags and designing posters and signboards.
“I’m very happy that shoppers here have started to become aware of our project. We’re proud to be part of it,” Yong Jie said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting