SHAH ALAM, Feb 27 — The Selangor government is formulating an action plan against single-use plastic as a more comprehensive measure, said state executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
She said the plan covers the reduced use of plastic food and drink containers, including styrofoam or polystyrene.
“This effort is being done to make Selangor free of single-use plastic by 2030, through phasic prohibitions and community and industry empowerment,” she told Media Selangor.
She added that the state government is finalising amendments to the Licensing of Trades, Businesses and. Industries By-Laws 2007 to enable the more comprehensive, standardised collection of plastic bag charges.
“This amendment is meant to standardise plastic bag charges collection by all 12 local authorities in Selangor,” she said.
Boosting advocacy with campaigns
Jamaliah also said the Environment Permanent Committee last year launched three editions of the Plastic-Free Campaign in Sepang, Klang and Sabak Bernam to strengthen environmental sustainability.
“This programme is a continued advocacy measure to reduce plastic use, besides empowering a recycling culture and a more environmentally friendly lifestyle among the people.
“The campaign also aims to educate the people about the long-term effects of plastic waste on the environment, ecosystem, and public health,” she added.
She explained that to ensure the effectiveness of the campaign, traders in selected locations are not allowed to use plastic containers or bags throughout the programme.
“In all three (editions), the programme was carried out without using plastic. From containers and straws to plates, cups and utensils, everything was replaced with environmentally friendly or reusable items,” Jamaliah said.
According to her, this approach not only reduces plastic waste, but improves awareness among participants about the importance of caring for the environment.
Advice for Ramadan bazaar-goers
Jamaliah urged the people, especially those visiting Ramadan bazaars, to bring their own food containers and reusable bags to reduce single-use plastic and polystyrene.
“This step would help preserve environmental cleanliness and prevent pollution,” she said.
Previously, Media Selangor reported that packaging hot food in plastic or polystyrene containers could expose consumers to microplastics.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Food Management and Services Department senior lecturer Siti Nurhayati Khairatun said plastic packaging is dangerous as plastic particles could seep into food as its structure is rendered unstable when exposed to heat.
