AN estimated 524 tonnes of plastic waste have been recovered and recycled in Klang between January and April this year.
Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) Environmental Services Department director Zaireezal Ahmad Zainuddin said the city council was doing its best to improve collection of plastic waste to reduce its impact on the environment.
“MBDK encourages companies involved in recycling to step up to collect plastics directly from the source, which is at people’s homes,” he said in a press conference on the city council’s plastic-free campaign which would begin on July 6.
The campaign is to encourage the public to use cloth bags, tiffin carriers and food-grade stainless steel straws over single-use plastic throughout.
Selangor Palace representative Datuk Mohammed Khusrin Munawi, who was also present at the press conference, said Selangor public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin was expected to launch the campaign at Laman Seni Safari off Jalan Tengku Diaudin.
Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain will also be in attendance.
Mohammed Khusrin, who is also a city councillor, said at the campaign launch participants would be given free tiffin carriers and jute bags.
There would also be various activities, including a colouring competition for children and a walk around a 2.3km heritage trail that goes past Istana Alam Shah, he added.
Mohammed Khusrin said most of the plastic waste ends up in Sungai Klang as people indiscriminately throw drink bottles, single-use plastic containers, plastic bags and straws into drains.
“Sunlight breaks down man-made plastics into smaller pieces, harming marine life through ingestion and entanglement.
“According to studies, microplastics are found in various marine species, including fish that we eat,” he added.
“Opting for reusable items like water bottles and cloth bags, and choosing foodstuffs with minimal packaging where possible, can make a difference.
“Skipping plastic use has a positive impact,” he said.
