BY: ERMIZI MUHAMAD
SHAH ALAM, SEP 29: Selangor will be one of the early states to focus on a polystyrene and plastic bag ban in 2017.
Shah Alam Mayor Dato’ Ahmad Zaharin Mohd Saad said that the initiative is in line with the circular banning the use of polystyrene next year.
“The implementation of environmentally friendly food containers will be introduced to traders and continued by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to encourage them to stop using polystyrene in daily life.
“To this end, MBSA will also prepare 5,000 pamphlets to promote and explain the issue to the public,” he said During the Launch of the Jelajah Kepenggunaan dan Kitar Semular Peringkat MBSA 2016 programme at Dewan Melati Sekysen 7.
Also present was Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs Exco Elizabeth Wong, Shah Alam Deputy Mayor Mohd Syukri Mohd Hamin and Kota Anggerik Assemblyman Yaakob Shapari.
Ahmad Zaharin said that the Licensing Department has given MBSA’s green packs to traders as an introduction to the Council’s Polystyrene-free policy since June.
“Every trader is supposed to stop using polystyrene and to replace their food packaging with eco-friendly and biodegradable materials.
“This is in line with the objective of making Shah Alam a polystyrene-free city from January 1. At least the public and traders will be given early exposure before the full implementation happens,” he said.
Besides MBSA, several other local authorities across the state has welcomed the circular issued by the state government regarding the polystyrene-free implantation in 2017.
In addition, 10 food truck operators received their green packs to encourage them to be free of polystyrene and to reduce the use of plastic bags.
Selangor to be polystyrene free state in 2017
