Plastic bags, styrofoams bring more harm than good

MIRI: The time is now for the public to realise the harmful impact the usage of plastic bags and polystyrene (styrofoam) can bring not only to the environment, but also to public health.

According to Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Hui Kian, these products have become so widely accepted that people rarely stop to realise the danger they may bring.

“Members of the public must change their behaviour, be more aware of the danger of the usage of plastic bags and styrofoams by reducing or avoid using these products altogether in our daily lives – either for shopping, or for serving and packaging food and drinks.

“These ( plastic and styrofoam) products could increase the risk of people getting cancer,” he said at the launch of the ‘ No Plastic Bag Every Sunday’ and ‘Banning of styrofoam’ programmes, conducted by Miri City Council ( MCC) at Bintang Megamall here yesterday.

Dr Sim said six local authorities had been selected to implement the campaign – namely MCC, Kuching North City Commission ( DBKU), Kuching South City Council ( MBKS), Sibu Municipal Council ( SMC), Padawan Municipal Council ( MPP), Kota Samarahan Municipal Council ( MPKS) and Serian Municipal Council ( MPS).

Meanwhile, Miri Mayor Adam Yii said the programme would take effect on Jan 1 next year, adding that it is implemented in line with the directive from the Local Government and Housing Ministry.

He pointed out that the campaign is compulsory for all supermarkets, hypermarkets, shopping mall and tenants – as of Jan 1 next year, no more plastic bags will be provided to shoppers every Sunday.

“Members of the public are encouraged to bring their own eco- bags for shopping, or other environment- friendly alternatives such as biodegradable plastic bags, paper bags or boxes,” Yii said.

On the ban of styrofoam containers, the mayor said operators of all food premises, caterers or event managements must comply with this regulation. The prohibition on styrofoam containers for serving and packing food and drinks has been among the conditions for MCC’s food licensing since June this year.

“I believe we have given enough time and awareness to food operators to be prepared – they must stop providing styrofoam (containers) to serve and pack food by Jan 1, 2018.

“The soft launch for publicity and awareness of ‘ No Plastic Bag Every Sunday’ campaign was held on Nov 26 and the publicity materials distributed and displayed across Miri city, including the road from the airport to Kuala Baram,” he said, adding that the publicity is also being done through radio and television broadcasts.