DBKU may impose ban on styrofoam for packaging food
KUCHING: The Commission of Kuching City North ( DBKU) may impose a ban on styrofoam for packaging food as part of its efforts to keep the city green.
DBKU Commissioner Datuk Wee Hong Seng said a board meeting would be called next month to decide on whether to go for it.
“At the moment, we are at the stage of discouraging people from using styrofoam to package food. We will decide whether to implement it soon after a board decision,” he said when contacted here yesterday.
He was asked to comment on Sibu Municipal Council ( SMC) recently announcing the launch of its ‘Say No To Plastic Bags 2.0’ campaign next month.
Wee said the commission would have a dialogue with stakeholders first before implementing any ban.
“To me, it must be an initiative by the people to reject the use of styrofoam or plastic bags to show responsibility for protecting our environment.
“On the part of DBKU, we will hopefully be able to get a directive in October,” he added.
He felt the proposed ban on use of styrofoam to hold food ought to start with eating outlets as DBKU is responsible for issuing them licences to trade.
He reiterated that “our usual practice is to have a public consultation with owners or operators and consumers to let them know the role and importance of protecting our Earth”.
He said such a move was also to make sure the commission would be able to implement the policy in a smooth manner.
On the use of plastic bags, Wee said DBKU’s campaign against using them had been put in place since 2009 and was strengthened through its ‘Kiss Plastic Goodbye’ agenda this year.
“It’s ongoing and with the launch of our ‘ Kiss Plastic Goodbye’ agenda this year, we have printed almost 3,000 shopping bags which were distributed to schools and the communities.
“Some we sell at RM8 each. Next year, we will continue to print more for the awareness campaign,” he said.
DBKU targeted schools and the local community as “we need to educate users first”.