Malaysia, Johor F&B outlets have three months to prep for biodegradable packaging

zazali musa The Star 26 Sep 17;

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Food and beverage operators in Johor have been reminded to get ready to start using biodegradable containers for their takeouts.

Johor Health, Environment, Education and Information committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat (pic) said they have about three months from now to switch from polystyrene to biodegradable food containers.

He said hawkers in Johor Baru have already started switching to biodegradable food containers and by Jan 1 next year would be using biodegradable containers completely.

“We will extend the ruling to hawkers in other local councils in the state and most probably they will have to comply with the ruling next year,” he said at a press conference Tuesday to announce the state’s environment day celebration to be held at Dataran Segamat from Oct 21-22.

Ayub said there should be no more excuses from hawkers for not using biodegradable food containers.

He said the state government had given them ample time to get ready and has been speaking about the ruling over the past two years.

“Starting from January next year, caterers who serve state government functions must also use biodegradable food containers for guests,” said Ayub.

He said that hawkers taking part in the Johor Berkemajuan Expo at Dataran Mahkota in Kota Iskandar next month have also been directed to use only biodegradable food containers.


Start using biodegradable containers, hawkers told
zazali musa The Star 29 Sep 17;

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Food operators in Johor have been reminded to start using biodegradable containers for their takeaways.

Johor health, environment, education and information committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said traders have about three months from now to completely switch from using polystyrene to biodegradable food containers.

He said hawkers in Johor Baru districts have already started using biodegradable food containers gradually and by Jan 1, they would use only biodegradable containers.

“We will extend the ruling to other local councils in the state with enforcement most probably taking place next year,” said Ayub.

He reminded hawkers that using biodegradable food and drink containers was not a reason to increase their prices.

“Consumers can also play their part by bringing their own containers or tiffin carriers when buying food,” he said.

Ayub said the state had given hawkers ample time to prepare for the switch as the announcement of the new ruling was made two years ago.

“Starting from January, caterers hired for the state’s events must also use biodegradable food and drink containers.

Ayub said hawkers taking part in the Johor Berkemajuan Expo at Dataran Mahkota in Kota Iskandar next month had also been directed to only use biodegradable food containers.

He said the new ruling would also be implemented for Ramadan bazaar hawkers during fasting month.