Aiming for a litter-free Batu Caves

WE refer to your recent report “Avoid using polystyrene containers, temples urged” (The Star, Jan 18).

Polystyrene (PS) food containers have always been used in packing free food given to the devotees during Thaipusam because it is convenient, affordable and safe to use. PS foam has been certified under the Malaysian Food Act 1983 (Act 281) and by Sirim for use as a food contact packaging material. The fact that developed countries such as the United States, Japan and in the EU, which have very strict food contact legislation, have been using and continue to use PS foam proves that PS food containers are not hazardous.