‘Govt may consider incentives in zero-waste drive’
PETALING JAYA: The Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry will consider special incentives for the food and beverage (F&B) industry if more businesses commit to the zero-waste campaign.
Deputy Minister Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis said she would refer the proposal to the cabinet if more F&B companies, for instance, reduced the use of disposable plastics in their daily operations and products.
“We will bring this for discussion. It is a good proposal as it encourages more companies to use recycled products.
“Besides, when one company begins the trend, I’m sure the others will eventually follow suit,” she said at a press conference after launching bubble tea chain Tealive’s latest reusable bubble teacups here yesterday.
Isnaraissah Munirah said more companies should emulate Tealive in adopting the government’s zero use of disposable plastics by 2030 to preserve the environment.
“Nowadays, if you notice, consumers have also started to become more aware of the excessive use of disposable plastics. When there are options, they prefer to opt for environment-friendly alternatives.”
She added that this year, the government would introduce a Circular Economy Roadmap (CER) for plastic goods and products to ensure sustainable use of recyclable plastic materials.
Isnaraissah Munirah also said her ministry had presented its findings on the proposed industrial buffer zone on Pasir Gudang, Johor, following a chemical pollution in March last year that sickened 6,000 residents.
Most of the victims were schoolchildren.
“We have presented our findings to the relevant stakeholders and the Johor government. It is now up to the state government to review and decide on the suggestion for the buffer, as the matter falls under its jurisdiction.”