Johoreans all for use of biodegradable packaging material come Jan 1
JOHOR BAHRU: The use of biodegradable packaging material in Johor, expected to commence on Jan 1, has received support from not only food traders and supermarket operators but also the local community, in the effort to preserve the environment.
A Bernama check at several business locations around the city found most of the traders ready to implement the directive that was expected to take effect within the next five days.
Restaurant operator Roslan Ibrahim said he was aware of the enforcement and was already using biodegradable material instead of polystyrene.
“The state government’s effort is good as this can lessen environmental pollution, especially in Johor, which is one of the states with a lot of industries and is growing rapidly,” said the 57-year-old businessman.
Huzaim Mohd Lep, who has been in the food business for almost 35 years, said he hoped that supply of biodegradable packaging material would be adequate and available at a more affordable price as traders like him would use large quantities of food containers on a daily basis.
However, Kamal Nur Arif, 24, an operator of a food outlet and a shoe shop, admitted that he was unaware of the enforcement of biodegradable packaging material early next year and said he hoped that the state government would continue to inform the public of the move to enable the traders to prepare themselves. Kamal was not alone as a private company employee, Nur Ain Kamaruddin, 24, was also unaware of the latest move by the state government.
“I do not know about the implementation of biodegradable packaging material to replace polystyrene and plastic all over Johor next year, but I am pleased to know that the state government is to implement this noble effort to preserve the environment.
“The state government also needs to disseminate information to the public over the move as well as undertake an awareness campaign for the community to understand it better as this biodegradable material can lessen pollution,” she said.
A government retiree, Jamiah Abdul Rahman, said it was timely for Johor to implement the use of biodegradable packaging material in line with the rapid development of the state.
“The use of biodegradable packaging material is a very smart move but its price should also be affordable to enable the people to buy it easily compared to plastic and polystyrene, which are not only cheap but also easy to find,” she added.
Meanwhile, all 17 Econsave Cash and Carry supermarket outlets in the state will discontinue the sale of polystyrene and conventional food or plastic wraps from Jan 1.