Johor F&B outlets have three months to prep for biodegradable packaging

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Food and beverage operators in Johor have been reminded to get ready to start using biodegradable containers for their takeouts.  

Johor Health, Environment, Education and Information committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat (pic) said they have about three months from now to switch from polystyrene to biodegradable food containers.  

He said hawkers in Johor Baru have already started switching to biodegradable food containers and by Jan 1 next year would be using biodegradable containers completely.  

“We will extend the ruling to hawkers in other local councils in the state and most probably they will have to comply with the ruling next year,” he said at a press conference Tuesday to announce the state’s environment day celebration to be held at Dataran Segamat from Oct 21-22.  

Ayub said there should be no more excuses from hawkers for not using biodegradable food containers.  

He said the state government had given them ample time to get ready and has been speaking about the ruling over the past two years.

“Starting from January next year, caterers who serve state government functions must also use biodegradable food containers for guests,” said Ayub.  

He said that hawkers taking part in the Johor Berkemajuan Expo at Dataran Mahkota in Kota Iskandar next month have also been directed to use only biodegradable food containers.