Khalid: FT Ministry firm on enforcing ban on plastic straws
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territories Ministry is serious in its decision to ban plastic straws effective Jan 1, 2020, to advocate environmental sustainability and wellbeing of the capital city’s residents.
Its minister, Khalid Samad, said straws made from biodegradable materials, including paper, could be used to replace conventional plastic straws.
He said the ruling would be implemented on food sellers and eatery operators from Jan 1 and would be included in business licence requirements.
“This effort will not be successful without the cooperation from people of different backgrounds, (including) students at higher learning institutions and Teachers’ Training Institutes (IPG).”
He said this at the FT-level National Environment Day at IPG Ilmu Khas Campus here yesterday.
Khalid said such a programme should be held continuously to improve awareness of the importance of protecting the environment as a joint responsibility.
Present was institute director Dr Mohd Suhaimi Mohamed Ali.
It was held in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the Department of Environment, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, the Education Ministry’s Education Technology Division, Malaysian Universities Debating Council and Malaysian IPG Debate Activists.