Environmentalists rejoice! The Malacca state government has announced it will prohibit the use of polystyrene food packaging in all eateries under its purview, beginning May 1.
The ban will be imposed on cafes operating in all state government buildings, food outlets owned and operated by local government, and schools in Malacca.
CEO of Malacca’s Green Technology Agency Kamaruddin Md Shah told Sinar Harian the move was part of the state’s first phase in what it calls the “Polystyrene Free Malacca” initiative, which aims to reduce the use of non-biodegradable materials in favour of more eco-friendly food packaging.
The first phase will be fully implemented by September, after which the new ruling will be enforced on food outlets throughout the states, including private businesses.
“Those who don’t comply with the state government’s ruling on polystyrene packaging will risk not having their business licenses renewed,” Kamaruddin warned.
He also urged consumers and traders throughout the state to forego polystyrene pacakging in favour of packaging made out of biodegradable materials such as corn and sugar cane pulp.
The Green Technology Agency will also gazette a list of manufacturers supplying eco-friendly food packaging materials, in order to help traders and consumers make the switch from polystyrene.
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