PENANG has launched a third phase in its fight against plastic waste pollution when its Penang Wanita Mutiara Organisation (PWMPP) launched a campaign of bringing one's own containers if packing food from main food courts.
First was the limited use of single use plastic bags at hypermarkets and supermarkets before the second phase involved an outright ban of it at similar premises.
The ban also involved participating retailers and convenience outlets.
Now PWMPP with collaboration of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has launched a campaign to encourage consumers to bring their own containers if they wish to pack hawker food from the food courts.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow launched the initiative at the Fishermen Wharf Food Corner in the Karpal Singh Drive in George Town, and observed that the objectives of the state’s ‘No Single-Use Plastic’ campaign cannot be achieved overnight.
“It will definitely take time to have a total buy in but the effort would be worthwhile if Penang can reduce plastic waste pollution here, he said.
He expressed hope that the campaign would gain traction at the grassroots level to ensure its widespread success.
“I am thankful that the ‘Cleaner and Greener Campaign,’ which was launched in 2010, continues to receive attention from the state government, local authorities and non-governmental organisations as well as the private companies, and small business owners and entrepreneurs."
Chow now wants a similar support for the no-single use plastic campaign across the state.
“The campaign’s objectives cannot be achieved in a short period; it will take years. However, along the way, we have also succeeded in making Penang greener, cleaner, and smarter.
Chow also shared that the commonly used word ‘tapau,’ which means takeaway, will be included in the new edition of the Oxford English Dictionary.
“In another 10 to 15 years, I hope to see the word ‘tapau’ associated with takeaways packed in tiffin carriers rather than in plastic packaging,” he added.
PWMPP chairman Tan Lean Kee, who is Chow's wife. hoped that the campaign would inspire the community to bring their own containers for takeaways at food courts and hawker centres.
“This is our initial step towards reducing dependency on single-use plastics and encouraging others to follow suit. In 2019, we launched the ‘Bring Your Own Container’ campaign, but it was not successful due to busy lifestyle, where plastic packaging became a convenience," said Tan.
MBPP Lord Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran highlighted the dangers of plastic pollution, as they can enter the human body as microplastics through marine life when people consume them. - March 30, 2025
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