GEORGE TOWN: For the last 10 years, Clarissa anak Daniel has been packing food in a reusable container every morning, before she goes to school.
As she has been doing it since Year One, it has become second nature to the 17-year-old.
“I pack a sandwich for school every day and use my own container,” says the student who credits her parents for teaching her to be environmentally conscious and reduce waste.
“While the routine may seem simple, I believe small, consistent actions can help reduce plastic waste.
“There are still times when I end up buying food packed in single-use plastic, but I feel guilty about it,” she said when met at SMK Tunku Puan Habsah during the Tiffin Project: “No Plastic, Own Container” (Eco-Friendly Lunchbox Programme) yesterday.
The school received 300 two-tier tiffin carriers under the project, which encourages students and teachers to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics while fostering lifelong environmentally responsible habits.
Clarissa said she planned to bring the new container to school every day.
“With two tiers, I can pack rice and side dishes separately when I buy food from the canteen.”
Nur Syafeena Husna Kamarrol, 17, said her parents have taught her on the need to decline single-use plastics.
“It is bad for the environment and we must stop using them.”
M. Sharmila, 17, said she would also insist on the tiffin carrier from now on.
“I have always packed food in plastic bags and did not realise the damage they can cause.
“I want to speak to my parents about it as we do have tiffin carriers at home,” she said.
Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang chairman Tan Lean Kee said the organisation has been championing the “Say No to Single-Use Plastic, Bring Your Own Container” movement since 2024.
“Through partnerships with local authorities, communities, hawker centres and coffee shop operators, we have organised more than 15 community-based tiffin campaigns across Penang.
“Change does not happen through awareness campaigns alone. It begins with education,” she said.
Tan said that SMK Tunku Puan Habsah was the second school in the state to take part in the programme.
“Every teacher will receive a tiffin set and serve as an ambassador for sustainable living.
“Every student will also receive a tiffin set because we believe children are powerful agents of change. A child can influence a family, a family can influence a community, and a community can influence society,” she said.
Lions Club project director Peter Chung said the initiative was part of a broader effort to make Penang a greener state.
“The tiffin carriers distributed today are symbols of a movement that empowers students to become agents of change.”
