PETALING JAYA: More consumers are making it a habit to bring their own containers when buying takeaway food.
They say the move can help to preserve the environment and save money on plastic food packaging amid the ongoing energy crisis following the protracted US-Iran conflict.
Shirley Ng, 55, said she has been bringing her own reusable food containers whenever she buys mixed rice.
“It is convenient, easy to wash and reusable. I can save some money too, as most stalls would charge for a plastic container.
“At the same time, I feel good about doing my part to cause less harm to the environment,” said the admin executive.
Ng also claimed some traders charge up to RM2 for each takeaway container.
In Sentul, a noodle hawker, who wished to be known as Lee, said many of his regular customers have started bringing their own containers for takeaway soup.
“Since early this year, my operating costs have gone up, but I still provide free plastic containers for takeaway.
“I am considering imposing a charge if the material costs keep increasing,” Lee said, adding that for now, he would adopt a wait-and-see approach, as he does not want to burden his customers.
Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association deputy president C. Krishnan said operators are feeling the pinch with prices of plastic containers, bags and other packaging materials going up by between 60% and 70%.
He said while many operators previously absorbed costs, the sharp increase has made it difficult for some businesses to continue doing so.
“If prices increase by 5% or 10%, operators can still manage. But it becomes very hard with the present hike,” Krishnan said, adding that it was up to individual operators whether to charge their customers.
He said customers who bring their own containers could avoid the packaging charge.
The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association said plastics makers are facing sharp cost increases and supply disruptions.
Prices of raw material have increased by about 80% to 100% as the Middle East conflict has disrupted supplies.
Its president, Cheah Chee Choon, said prices, which were around US$930 (RM4,370) per tonne before the conflict, have shot up to about US$1,700 (RM7,990) per tonne, with some specialised grades surpassing US$2,000 (RM9,400) per tonne amid panic buying in February and March.
“We are working with our members and traders to navigate the sales and service tax rules and stabilise supply, including linking manufacturers with alternative suppliers such as China,” he said.
