Perak asks for more time to implement plastic ban - The Star Metro Perak

14 July 2018 By Silvia Looi

The Perak state government says it needs time to ban the use of plastic bags and polystyrene containers in the state. — Picture by Choo Choy May

IPOH, July 14 — The Perak state government remains committed to ban the use of plastic bags and polystyrene containers in the state but needs more time to do so.

In reiterating its stand on the matter, state Education, Science, Environment, Green Technology and Information Committee chairman Abdul Aziz Bari said the state needs time to engage with stakeholders before going ahead with the move.

“Yes, we want to be environmentally friendly but the plastic industry is an economic activity. We cannot do away with it just like that,” he told Malay Mail.

Aware that environmental groups want the state to revive a proposed ban on plastic bags and polystyrene food containers made by the previous Barisan Nasional administration, Aziz said the matter had yet to be discussed at the state executive council level.

“Give us time as the matter does not involve my portfolio alone but other portfolios too such as Local Government and Investment,” he said, referring to his fellow exco members Paul Yong Choo Kiong and Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin respectively.

“My power is confined to environmental issues. The issue of hawkers using plastic bags and polystyrene containers comes under the local government. And to encourage plastic manufacturers to change to environmentally-friendly products involves investments,” he said.

Malay Mail had previously reported that environmental groups in Perak want the state to revive a proposed ban on plastic bags and polystyrene food containers and make sure it is carried out this time.

The groups said it is time for the state government to cut down on the use of plastic in the state after a similar plan by its predecessor failed to take off.

They had stressed the present government must not drag its feet over the proposal or other policies to protect the environment.

Abdul Aziz questioned if the society is ready for the ban.

“To implement [the ban], we must educate the people. Can the rural folks do away with not using plastic bags and polystyrene containers?” he asked.

“The society is so used to using plastic bags and polystyrene. All this needs time for adjustment,” he said, adding that a systematic way of doing away with plastic bags and polystyrene containers was needed.

In 2016, the previous BN administration took a bold step by announcing the first phase of a state-wide ban on plastic bags and polystyrene containers.

At the time, it said the move would be implemented in stages — from state government offices in June 2016 to a full public enforcement a year later.

However, the state temporarily called off the ban, saying it would be rescheduled after further studies were carried out.

No end in sight for illegal dumpsite in back alley - The Star Metro Perak

Jun 7, 2017

The illegal dumpsite near Lebuh Taman Ipoh, Ipoh Garden South, has been around for years. Concerned residents have to put up with the stench, besides fearing it could lead to pest infestation and other health concerns.

A large pile of garbage strewn all over the place is becoming a “fixture” at a back alley near Lebuh Taman Ipoh, Ipoh Garden South.

The unsightly pile of waste has been lying there for months and residents said the spot had been regarded as a dumpsite for years.

A nurse working for a clinic behind which the rubbish was discarded, who only wanted to be known as Liah, said she had no idea why or who created the illegal dumpsite there.

“The garbage pile comes and goes. It has been like this for ages.

“Council workers will only clear it once in a blue moon,” she told StarMetro.

“I will lodge a complaint whenever the garbage piles up there.

“The last time it was cleared was about two months ago, but as you can see, the cycle continues,” she added.

An insurance agent, who declined to be named, said he felt powerless as he watched people habitually throwing rubbish there.

“I’ve tried to tell the person off but was told to mind my own business.

“It’s easy for them to just throw there, as long as it’s not near their premises or shops,” he said.

“I believe the culprits also include those living around here,” he added.

The insurance agent, in his 40s, said enforcement should be beefed up at all commercial areas, especially those with many eateries.

“Garbage attracts rats, flies and other pests. The authorities should really do something about this.

“The city council always talk about wanting to make Ipoh a clean city. I don’t think it can become a reality,” he said.

“While the people should be responsible in keeping the city clean, it’s still the duty of the council to ensure the city is clean,” he added.

Ipoh Cith Watch president Prof Dr Richard Ng said he spoke to several people on the matter and found that some shopkeepers there were among the culprits who discarded garbage at the site daily before 9am.

“The shopkeepers have been advised not to do so but they remained stubborn.

“A no-littering signage that was put there has also gone missing,” he said.

Ng said the city council should be more responsive to clear the garbage pile away every morning.

“They should also send out two non-uniform wearing enforcement officers to patrol the area and take pictures of the culprits,” he said.

“The officers should then follow the culprits back to their shops and fine them RM500 on the spot,” he added.

When contacted, a city council spokesman said they would look into the matter and clear the garbage pile as soon as possible.