MBKS to distribute reusable shopping bags
KUCHING: Kuching South City Council ( MBKS) will be distributing reusable shopping bags to members of the public as well as traders as part of its ongoing ‘No Plastic Bag Campaign’ initiative to strive towards a plastic bagfree society.
Its mayor Dato James Chan said this is to serve as a reminder that there are other alternatives to plastic bags, adding that the battle against using plastic bags is being carried out not only in Malaysia but also many other countries around the world.
“In Kuching, we also want to do our part to help save the environment and we have printed ‘ No Plastic Bag’ on reusable shopping bags to be distributed to the public and hope that the message printed on the bag can serve as a reminder to minimise the use of plastic bags,” he told a press conference after distributing reusable bags to traders and the public at Stutong Community Market here yesterday.
He said the council’s campaign focuses on the concept of 3Rs — reduce, reuse and recycle.
“Our aim is to reduce the usage of plastic bags by encouraging people to reuse the shopping bags they have,” he explained, noting the MBKS is also working together with supermarkets here to drive the message across to the people.
Chan also opined that those who are strongly against the use of plastic bags must think realistically on whether these bags can be completely omitted from daily usage.
“For instance, when we purchase something wet such as fresh fish or meat, we may still have to use plastic bags unless there are alternative packaging that can be used.
“Then there are some places that now charge for the use of plastic bags which many customers do not mind paying for. I’m not certain that will deter the usage of plastic bags either,” he remarked.
He however noted that this did not mean that he encouraged the use of plastic bags.
“We acknowledge that it takes some efforts and time to get people to stop using plastic bags and this habit cannot miraculously change overnight.
“I suppose it may take years but at least we are doing our part even though it might be a small gesture.”