A hawker receiving a tiffin container from Tan (right) while Sundarajoo gives the thumbs-up during the ‘No Single-Use Plastic’ campaign launch at Chai Leng Park Hawker Centre. — Buletin Mutiara
Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang (PWMPP) has teamed up with Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for a campaign against single-use plastics.
During the launch at Chai Leng Park Hawker Centre, PWMPP chairman Tan Lean Kee and Penang environment committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu gave out tiffin boxes to the hawkers and visitors.
Tan told Buletin Mutiara that the campaign was to encourage the use of reusable food containers and reduce dependence on plastic.
“This is an important first step in reducing single-use plastics and setting a positive example for the surrounding community.
“I would like to thank all the traders and management of Chai Leng Park Hawker Centre for turning this place into a model of sustainability,” she said.
Tan suggested people bring their own containers when buying food and use reusable bags when shopping, while encouraging others to do the same.
Sundarajoo also expressed hope that Penang would be free of single-use plastic bags by August.
He said many Penangites were already using reusable bags for their purchases.
“Previously, Chai Leng Park often flooded due to rubbish, including plastics, blocking the drainage system.
“However, after my team’s cleanup, the area no longer floods,” said Sundarajoo.
He said protecting the environment was a collective responsibility and warned that plastics ingested by fish would break down into harmful microplastics and ultimately affect humans.
Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid said flyers on the campaign as well as on waste segregation-at-source were provided to traders.
“Additionally, this campaign will introduce the 8R concept – rethink, refuse, reuse, reduce, repair, regift, recover and recycle – as a guide to changing daily habits towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
“With the active involvement of traders, local communities and visitors, I believe this effort will yield positive results,” said Baderul Amin.
