GEORGE TOWN: When taps go dry for four days, there is a possibility that plastic waste will go up too as people opt for disposal containers and utensils to avoid having to wash up.
A plastic-ware wholesaler here saw a stream of food sellers crowding its store to buy plates, bowls, cups and other necessities, while others bought large plastic bags and water containers.
Shop owner Tan Boon Heong, 49, said the demand for disposable containers and utensils had picked up by 20%.
“Initially, customers were buying large buckets and plastic bags to store water.
“Now, disposable plates and trays, as well as containers and cups, are the most popular items as eateries don’t want to waste stored water for washing.
“The eateries are expecting more takeaways and deliveries,” he said.
Tan said some hawkers chose disposable paper-ware, but some opted for plastic because the food they sell might be too moist for paper containers.
“It is better to use disposable items that are biodegradable but they are costlier.
“Some of my customers are small hawkers so they may not have the budget,” he added.
An estimated 590,000 account holders of the Penang Water Supply Corporation are expected to be impacted by a 96-hour water disruption due to two major valve replacement works in Sungai Dua, Butterworth.
Other ancillary work will also be carried out at 22 locations throughout Penang.
The water cut is scheduled from 6am on Jan 10 to 6am on Jan 14.
Areas like Ayer Itam, Tanjong Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang will not be affected during the cut as they receive water from the Ayer Itam and Teluk Bahang dams.
Among the eateries to be impacted include seven out of eight outlets of Sri Ananda Bahwan restaurants in Penang.
The restaurants will be using disposable plates and utensils which are biodegradable.
Its manager M. Sathish, who oversees the outlet in Jalan Macalister, said their work in the kitchens would proceed as usual as they would be utilising stored water.
“We have installed additional water tanks for use in the kitchen,” he said.
“Daily, we expect to serve between 2,000 and 3,000 plates here and possibly more than usual because we expect many other eateries to be closed during the period.
“But we can’t serve banana leaf rice because the leaf suppliers told us that they cannot wash and supply them.”
Checks with many eateries in areas affected by the water disruption showed that most are opting to halt their operations during that period or would just offer takeaways and deliveries.
As for noodles seller Sally Lee in Gelugor, she said her stall would stay open but there would be no washing done except to clean up the cooking utensils.
“Many advised me to close and take a rest, but I decided to continue and try to earn some extra income before Chinese New Year,” said Lee, 42.
Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said hawker centres and markets under the council affected by the water disruption would be provided with water tanks during the period.
“The council will provide 98 water tanks, each with 2,271 litres capacity, to these locations,” he said.
Rajendran said water tankers would make frequent rounds to refill all these tanks periodically.
“All hawkers are encouraged to provide only takeaways and use disposable plates and utensils,” he added.
