‘No plastic’ for three days campaign in Penang

The Star 28 Nov 09;

GEORGE TOWN: It is “No Plastic Day” on Tuesdays and Wednesdays too in Penang from Jan 1.

The state government has decided to extend its “No Plastic Monday” campaign against the use of plastic bags to three days in a week.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said all hypermarkets, supermarkets and mini-markets would be required to abide by the ruling for their licences to be renewed under the Local Government Act and Municipal Council of Penang Island (Food Establishments) by-laws.

“Consumers who insist on plastic bags will still pay 20sen per plastic bag, which will then be channelled to the state government’s ‘Partners Against Poverty’ fund to wipe out hardcore poverty,” he said.

Lim said even single stores at shopping malls would now be required to adhere to the ruling on Mondays.

He said according to data provided by 45 supermarkets, hypermarkets and other retailers, Penangites saved on the use of more than one million plastic bags since the campaign kicked off in July.

“To date, we have also collected RM21,403 for the fund for the poor,” he added.

“Due to tremendous public support, the state has decided to extend it to three days after discussion with all stakeholders, including non-governmental groups and plastic manufacturers.”

No-plastic days meet resistance
New Straits Times 30 Nov 09;

GEORGE TOWN: The state government's decision to extend its no-plastic Mondays to three days a week from January has not gone down well with retailers and consumers here.

Many retailers were unhappy with the latest ruling which they claimed was not beneficial to them.

The retailers said instead of putting the burden on them, the state government should absorb some responsibility by educating consumers on the need to reduce the use of plastic bags.

Sunshine Wholesale Mart advertising and promotion manager Peter Chan said while the company was aware of climate change, the recent ruling was too drastic.

"As it is, we are already losing customers on Mondays. With the latest ruling, we expect our business to suffer even more."

Chan said the company had always supported any green campaign initiated by the state government or other parties.

"We will continue to do so for mother nature. All we are asking is for the state government to create a win-win situation for all, unlike the present situation where retailers are at the losing end."

He said to ensure that the latest ruling would work, the state government should turn it into a bylaw across the board.

Sunshine currently operates six hypermarkets in the state with one more opening soon.

It was reported that in a bid to position itself as a "green state", the state government had extended no-plastic Mondays to all retail stores while other businesses which had already done so, will now implement it three days a week.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said those doing it for three days -- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday -- included hypermarkets, supermarkets, professional outlets, firms and franchise stores.

He was quoted as saying that local government bylaws allowed local councils to impose specific conditions for the renewal of business licences and the "no plastic bags" programme was now a condition which must be followed.

A Tesco hypermarket representative said the company would abide by the latest ruling. However, a retailer, who spoke on anonymity, said the state government left them with no choice but to abide with the latest ruling.

"If we don't do it, then chances are our licence will not be renewed."

Retiree Joo S.P., 59, said the latest ruling, although good for the environment, was too harsh for consumers.

"The state government must move one step at a time and not be overly eager," he said.