MIRI: As part of its effort to reduce the usage of straws, the Miri City Council (MCC) has embarked on a ‘Say No To Plastic Straws’ (Tak Nak Straw) campaign here.
It was launched by Mayor Adam Yii at the Miri Indoor Stadium compound yesterday.
The campaign is also in line with MCC’s efforts to promote 5R (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose) to the public.
“There are so many alternatives that we can use besides plastic straws. Limit the use of plastic straws for the better future of our environment,” said Yii.
When asked if there was a deadline for eateries or food operators to comply with the campaign, he said: “There is no deadline as we want to create awareness among the public about how plastic straws are harmful to our environment.”
“Plastic straws are among the top 10 marine debris items. Restaurants throw away thousands a year. Plastic straws remain on earth forever since they are not biodegradable.
“A plastic straw is used for an average of 20 minutes, but its effect lasts a lifetime. Piling up daily, it’s an extreme waste for minimal convenience,” he pointed out.
On another matter, in conjunction with the Ramadan month, MCC, Yii said, would be sending officers from its public health department to conduct inspections on the food stalls.
There are four Ramadan bazaars operating during the whole fasting month – at the Saberkas Pasar Malam, Morsjaya, Lutong and Miri Indoor Stadium.
Also present at the launching were Yii’s deputy Julaihi Mohammad, event organising chairman Cr Karambir Singh and 37 students from the Miri Training Institute.
