PENANG is expected to solidify its status as a leading green state - by September next year, no plastic bags would be used in public while drink straws are expected to be made of soluble materials.
State executive councillor Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said that the slogan that "Penang Leads" is evident in environmentally friendly initiatives.
Besides that, some 150,000 recycled straw bags would be distributed while the effort to plant up to a million tree saplings would be intensified.
Sundarajoo said this before presenting the year-end green awards to pre-schools, journalists while a special award was bestowed on the Penang Green Council and former three-term state executive councillor Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh.
Sundarajoo also paid tribute to the Penang Island City Council president and Lord Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran for his greening efforts here.
On top of tree growing, some 500,000 hibiscus (the bunga raya national flower) would be grown in Penang.
There would also be emphasis on growing palm trees which is part and parcel of the island's landscape, hence its nickname in Malay as "Pulau Pinang."
"We are leading and we will continue to undertake new measures to protect our mother earth."
According to the Prai assemblyman, the state wants to see each vehicle in Penang, having one or two recycled bags to aid them when our doing their groceries or shopping.
Sundarajoo also spoke about having materials which mimic plastics but are recyclable.
Meanwhile, the inaugural Green and Geopark Excellence Awards (GAGA) bestowed an award of green personality to Phee for his leadership in this area og governance.
Phee's daughter - Phee Syn Tze, the Sungai Puyu assemblyperson received on his behalf from GAGA convenor K.Y. Pung here.
The green council was awarded with two achievements for leading the young in environmental awareness and its community-led awareness programmes.
The fact that Penang has effectively banned single use plastics, is a strong indicator of the council's success.
Phee started the ground swell on banning single use plastics and Penang is the first state to do it. - December 16, 2025.
