Jamaliah: State to review ineffective polystyrene ban

Jamaliah says alternative containers can be handed out at community events.

POLYSTYRENE clam shells and cups are still being used by traders for takeaway orders despite a ban imposed on their usage since 2017 in Selangor.

Public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the use of polystyrene among traders was high due to demand from consumers for polystyrene packaging.

“The Selangor government is in the process of re-examining polystyrene usage.

“Besides that, the government will intensify awareness at all government levels, private sector, local authorities and local communities on the ill-effects of polystyrene use,” she said.

On Jan 1, 2017, Selangor banned the use of polystyrene and imposed a fine of RM1,000 for transgressing the ruling.

Jamaliah said this at the State Assembly sitting in response to Chua Wei Kiat (PH-Rawang), who asked if polystyrene could be used in Selangor and what efforts were being taken to reduce usage.

“Selangor government has carried out various efforts to reduce polystyrene usage including having environmental awareness campaigns to encourage people to bring their own containers for food and drinks,” she said, adding that this would help bring down usage of single-use plastics.

Jamaliah added that the awareness campaign was in line with Selangor’s Zero Plastic Campaign 2030 encouraging people to use their own containers.

“Campaigns held by local councils have guided food courts and traders to provide alternative takeaway containers with a reasonable price to customers.

“The no single-use plastic and polystyrene campaign is obvious at state government and local council events, such as at car-free days, fun rides and beach fiestas, in moving towards a sustainable environment,” she said.

Jamaliah added that alternative containers like tiffins could be given at community events.

“Local councils can also encourage people to bring along tiffin carriers to Ramadan bazaars and night markets by giving coupons as incentives to consumers,” she said.

Later outside the state assembly building, Jamaliah explained to reporters that polystyrene took around 500 years to break down.

“We are concerned with the use of polystyrene as this material is man-made and is dangerous to animals.

“Animals do not have a natural discernment to sense obvious dangers.

“They are known to choke on or get poisoned by polystyrene dumped in rivers and seas.”

Jamaliah added that plant roots also soaked up toxins from polystyrene, which could be passed along the human food chain.

The Selangor State Assembly sitting has adjourned sine die.