PENANG has taken great strides in protecting the environment by becoming the first state to ban single use plastics to the setting up of financial incentives to go green.
State executive councillor in charge of the environment, Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said that the campaign to ready Penang for climate change is gradually being unveiled and society must realise that if their behaviour does not change, it could affect their future.
Climate change sees an aggressive weather pattern from the rougher seas to heavier rainfall, storms and longer drought, which can unearth landslides and cause flash flooding.
Sundarajoo said 30,000 recycled bags were distributed to mark the state's move to ban single use plastics but lamented that more alternatives need to be given to hawkers and vendors as plastic packaging remains the most practical and affordable.
He wants more recyclable bags to be made available, especially at every service center of the 40 state assemblymen in Penang.
He also wants the two city councils - the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) to install more rubbish bins throughout the state to curb littering, the main contributor to water pollution.
It is proven that microplastics are the main contaminant in the seas and rivers, and the fishes that humans consume, are proven to have similar contents in it.
Therefore, it is imperative to stop littering, especially the indiscriminate dumping of plastics, especially those non-biodegradables, said Sundarajoo.
"We need to stop the habit of littering. Perhaps higher fines and more community service."
Sundarajoo also singled out the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) for installing eco-friendly systems to prevent discharge of effluents into the river.
In conclusion to fight climate change, society needs to first change and grasp the consequences of dealing with unfriendly weather, added Sundarajoo. – October 16, 2025
