Plastics, polystyrene still in use – Plastics polystyrene - Arhive

BUSINESS owners in Kuala Lumpur are still using petroleum-based plastic bags and polypropylene containers despite the ban coming into effect on Jan 1.

The Federal Territories Ministry made it compulsory for all business owners in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan to use only biodegradable and compostable plastic bags and food containers. Enforcement was supposed to start in January but was delayed to Sept 1.

A random check over the weekend by StarMetro found many traders still not using the environmentally-friendly alternatives.

Take Raja Bot market in Chow Kit for instance; despite it being picked for Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) pilot project to introduce biodegradable packaging last year, the hawkers and traders have continued to use regular plastic bags until today.

However, several market-goers were seen bringing along tote bags to shop to reduce use of plastic bags.

Federal Territories Bumiputera Trader and Hawkers Association vice-president Muhamad Baba Kutty said enforcement was the only way to force the change.

“The biodegradable and compostable products are pricier than the regular ones. Business people will always choose the cheaper option.

“The manufacturers might also tempt them by reducing the price for their regular food packaging to get rid of their stock.

“Only strict enforcement can force these business people to use only nature-friendly products,” he said.

Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association vice-chairman Ang Say Tee said his members agreed to abide by the ministry’s directive but requested for more time to use up their stock of petroleum-based plastic bags.

“Many of them have stocked up on the petroleum-based plastic bags. I hope DBKL enforcement officers will give us about three months before issuing summonses.

“Times are hard and it is not good to waste,” he said.

Commenting on the price increase of up to six folds, Ang said the business owners would have to accept it as it was for the greater good.

“Everything is expensive now, so we will just have to accept it, “ he said.

Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya Indian Petty Traders Association president Jothy Appalasamy said business owners needed more time to adapt.

“They need more engagement and awareness to make this change happen,” he said.

Taman Yarl resident Rohini Ratnam said restaurants and hawkers in the neighbourhood had started to use the environmentally-friendly containers for food, and customers would bring their own containers and bags when possible.

“However, some mini marts and grocery stores still use plastic bags,” said Rohini, and called for stricter enforcement on the use of eco-friendly plastic bags as well as separation of waste at source.

Bukit Bandaraya RA adviser Datuk M. Ali said not only were standard plastic bags being used, polystyrene was also still in use.

“Some of the shops are using biodegradable plastics but there is no consistency in discouraging the use of standard plastic bags.

“I have been advocating for the ban on using plastic boxes, especially in food handling.

“We need to look at alternative materials for packing food such as banana leaves. We must go back to using reusable paper and paper bags,” he said.

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