By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Jan 17 — The Selangor government continues to encourage the public in using environmental-friendly straws or those made of biodegradable plastics, says Hee Loy Sian (pic).
The state Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment Committee chairman said the ban on usage of plastic straws in Selangor, which was enforced last year, was aimed to eliminate single-use plastics.
“We are focusing on the use of paper or stainless steel straws that are reusable to replace plastic straws,” he told SelangorKini yesterday in response to the suggestion by the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) in introducing lemongrass (serai) straws in hospital canteens.
Hee said while he welcomed the measure addressed by KADA, a detailed study is needed to commercialise the idea due to its shelf life.
On Monday, Hee said the Selangor government had proposed for local authorities (PBT) to suspend the operating license of food and beverage outlets that still provide plastic straws to its customers.
Suggesting the enforcement to begin in two months, Hee said the move was to raise awareness on the serious impact of single-use plastics towards the environment.
Beginning July 1, last year, the Selangor administration had prohibited food and beverage outlets in the state from providing plastic straws but said strict enforcement would only be enforced by 2025.
The six-year grace period was given for consumers as well as food and beverage outlets to adjust to the new policy.
