GEORGE TOWN: To encourage the use of reusable shopping bags and reduce single-use plastics in Penang, the state government through the Penang Green Council will distribute 100,000 bags to the public.
State environment committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said the bags would be distributed free of charge in stages.
“So far, we have distributed 20,000 bags and are printing another 30,000 more,” he said.
Sundarajoo said all 100,000 bags were expected to be distributed by the end of August next year.
He said the initiative by the Penang Green Council aimed to educate the public and encourage them to bring reusable bags when shopping for groceries or daily needs.
Earlier, Sundarajoo attended the Plastic-Free Deepavali event at Little India, organised by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).
During the event, he handed out free reusable bags to members of the public shopping for the upcoming Deepavali celebration. He was accompanied by CAP education officer N. Subarrow and Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) representative A. Tharman.
Sundarajoo said celebrations such as Deepavali were an excellent time to remind people about the dangers of using plastic bags and to discourage their use.
The enforcement of the “No Plastic Bag” campaign began on Sept 1 this year, but the state administration continues to educate the public on switching to reusable bags.
“We are allowing a one-year transition period as part of the learning process. During this time, we will distribute large numbers of reusable bags to encourage sustainable habits.
“Gradually, plastic manufacturers are also expected to reduce, and eventually stop, the production of conventional plastic bags,” he said.
Sundarajoo added that the state had engaged with manufacturers, who agreed to introduce biodegradable alternatives — bags that function like regular plastic ones but are environmentally friendly.
“These new biodegradable bags are expected to be rolled out in the coming months. We are confident that this effort will succeed through a united approach, not just by the Penang Green Council or the state government, but also in collaboration with our partners such as CAP and various NGOs, including the Hindu Sangam,” he said.
Meanwhile, CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kadir urged Hindus celebrating Deepavali to make this year’s festivities plastic-free.
“Plastics are a scourge on the world. Plastic pollution is one of the most pervasive and insidious threats to our environment and public health,” he said.
He said Deepavali, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, should be filled with love and not plastic.
“Celebrating Deepavali in a responsible and eco-friendly manner not only protects the environment but also honours tradition and sets an example for future generations.
“CAP advises Hindus to celebrate a plastic-free festival by saying no to plastic utensils, decorations and gift packaging. Materials such as jute and cloth should be used instead of plastic bags. Bring and use your own stainless-steel containers to buy sweets, and bring your own bags and refill containers when shopping,” he said.
