3,500 show support for biodegradable plastic use

(From left) Nor Hisham, Khalid, Shahruddin and Rosida holding up the Federal Territories flag at the Biodegradable Fun Run 2020 at Jalan Raja Laut. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star

YELLOW, blue and red filled the air as hundreds of mini Federal Territories flags were flown by the participants of the Biodegradable Fun Run 2020.

The 7km run, held in Jalan Raja Laut, was organised by the Federal Territories Ministry as part of its campaign to increase awareness among the public on supporting the use of biodegradable plastics.

Its minister Khalid Abdul Samad urged people to get behind the biodegradable plastic initiative.

“Biodegradable plastics produce less pollution compared to one-time use plastics.

“This is a good initiative and knows no political boundary. Everyone should lend their support behind this initiative, ” he said.

Khalid said the biodegradable plastics initiative was well-received among petty traders and restaurateurs.

“The ministry will also continue to conduct regular enforcement against traders who fail to comply with the regulations on biodegradable plastics, ” he said.

The fun run saw participation from some 3,500 people from all walks of life.

Khalid said the run was only one of many other programmes which were set to take place this year, in conjunction with the Federal Territories Day, which will fall on Feb 1.

“It is hoped that these programmes would help inculcate a sense of belonging and togetherness among people of the Federal Territories, ” he said.

Participant Zawani Saadon, 50, lauded the run, saying it encouraged Malaysians to practise a healthy lifestyle.

“It also improved the public awareness on the danger posed to the environment by the use of non-biodegradable plastics, ” she said.

Another participant Mohd Faris Amri, 30 said apart from exercising, the event also served as a good get-together for normal citizens to socialise.

“We are always stressed out after a week of working. This event is a good place to release that bottled-up stress while spending time with family, ” he said.Also present at the run were his deputy Datuk Dr Shahruddin Md Salleh, the ministry secretary-general Datuk Rosida Jaafar and mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan.

The event also featured an exhibition on plastic products such as straws, food containers, spoons, forks and plastic bags made from biodegradable plastics.