Malaysia: KL food operators to abide by Sept 1 polystyrene deadline

The Star 27 Aug 17;

KUALA LUMPUR: Most of the food operators in the city say they will abide by the ruling not to use polystyrene as takeaway food containers starting Sept 1.

In fact, a random survey by Bernama found that most of them are no longer using polystyrene and have switched to biodegradable containers such as brown paper or boxes.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre Food Truck Club president Shiraj Shah Subahan said most of its 200 members had begun using paper bags and boxes since last year.

“We had long prepared ourselves for it as we know that using polystyrene is bad due to its negative impact on the environment, and in terms of how the food is presented to customers,” he told Bernama.

Shiraj, who runs a benggali bread business, felt that using paper would enhance the presentation of the food.

Nasi kerabu seller Nor Farhana Sulaiman, 32, who chose to use brown paper, said it was more environment-friendly.

“It costs more or less the same. Storing them is also simpler compared to polysterene. It is the responsibility of traders to support the green initiative,” said Nor Farhana, who has been in the business for more than five years.

Retired teacher S. Vijaya Letchemi, 52, said the enforcement of the Sept 1 deadline was in line with environmental sustainability efforts, and elevated Malaysia to be on par with developed countries.

“On my part, I make it a habit to bring my own container whenever I buy takeaway food,” she said.

Private sector worker Desmond Lim, 26, hoped suppliers would provide more choices of biodegradable takeaway containers.

“Some of the containers are not appropriate for packing liquid food, which necessitated the continued use of plastic containers,” he said.

Jurisdictions under the Federal Territories Ministry including Labuan and Putrajaya have stopped using polystyrene and switched to biodegradable food containers since June last year.

Traders and hawkers face a maximum compound of RM1,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year if they are found to violate the regulation. — Bernama