PENANG wants the campaign to reject single use plastics in the state to gain momentum with more residents buying into the notion of using the traditional tiffin carriers at wet markets and food courts around the state.
State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari said that there are signs that the campaign will succeed in stages, referencing the state's annual recycling rate which stands at 50%.
It is higher than the annual national average of 40%.
"I believe that by 2030, we can reach 70% in our recycling rate efforts. We must work together to upkeep the environment," said Zairil.
Penang wants to cement a sustainable future with its “Say No to Single - Use Plastic, Bring Your Own Container” campaign.
The fourth phase of the campaign took place at the Tanjung Bungah wet market.
Aimed at encouraging residents to reduce the use of plastics by opting for tiffin carriers instead, the campaign was jointly organised by theWanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang Association and Zairil, who is the Tanjung Bungah assemblyman.
Zairil's wife Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, who is the association's assistant secretary, was also present at the event to provide support.
Association president Tan Lean Kee, who is the wife of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said that the previous campaign stops were at Bukit Tengah, Taman Chai Leng and Butterworth with Tanjung Bungah as the latest stopover.
“Since March 1, Penang has enforced a state - wide ban on plastic bag distribution at supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, and fast-food outlets,” Tan noted, adding that this builds on the state’s anti - single use plastic campaign.
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, she said.
To encourage tiffin carrier usage, Tan said that her association is collaborating with the two city councils and the Penang Green Council to distribute reusable tiffin carriers to market-goers at food courts across the state, including at hawker concentration areas.
“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. - May 3, 2025.
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