No single-use plastic ruling a must for licences

Penang to fully enforce initiative next year

GEORGE TOWN: The “No Single-Use Plastic” initiative will become a requirement in the business licence beginning next year, says State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.

He said a one-year grace period was long enough for all the stakeholders – hotels, supermarkets, hypermarkets, restaurants, schools and others – to become aware of the initiative.

“This year is all about educating them on what qualifies as ‘No Single-Use Plastic’.

“Then next year, the initiative will be included as a condition required in a business licence.

“We are implementing the no straw initiative and we will also provide a full list of what qualifies as one-time use plastic.

“The state aims to fully enforce the initiative next year although it has been implemented in the state,” he told reporters at a press conference after a ‘No Single-Use Plastic’ dialogue session with local schools in Komtar here yesterday.

Phee said they would distribute the guidelines when the involved stakeholders renewed their licences next year.

He added dialogue sessions will be held with the stakeholders to create awareness.

Phee said enforcement officers will carry out educational campaigns when visiting the stakeholders, especially about not handing out straws.

“When you serve drinks, there should not be straws unless the customer requests for it.

“There is also the question of who qualifies for a straw.

“Straws can only be given to young children, the elderly and the disabled.”

The move is in line with the federal government’s efforts to encourage eco-friendly products to substitute single-use plastics under the country’s “Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030”.