SARATOK: Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri has called on the local community to reduce the usage of plastic and styrofoam packaging in move to preserve the environment.
In stressing this, he said the environmental impact of plastic and styrofoam use will be felt for a long time, suggesting a gradual shift towards sustainable alternatives.
“We are accustomed to using plastic bags and styrofoam in our daily lives. After use, we dispose of them.
“This mindset needs to change, and I acknowledge that people are becoming increasingly aware that plastic takes 400 to 1,000 years to decompose naturally.
“Therefore, I call on the community to take responsibility and move towards sustainability and avoid the use of plastic and styrofoam,” he said.
He said this during the launch of Saratok Go Green: Say No To Styrofoam and Say No To Plastic Bag programme at Dewan Sri Krian yesterday.
The Kalaka assemblyman also urged food business owners to find alternative options to styrofoam packaging given its negative environmental impact.
“Similarly, please avoid littering food or beverage containers everywhere, including rivers and seas, as it only causes environmental pollution.
“Besides polluting the environment, the use of styrofoam poses health risks due to components that are one of the causes of cancer,” he said.
At the same time, Mohamad also welcomed the move by retailers for not using plastic bags at their premises every Saturday, charging users 20 sen for its use upon request.
“For a start, supermarkets or shops responding to this call are Family W, Nam Leong, Keluarga, 100% Discount Store, and mini-market Tai Chung.
“I sincerely hope it will be expanded to more areas over time, including Kabong,” he said.
He also reminded the local community to also ensure the cleanliness of their surroundings with the approaching Ramadhan month and its bazaar.
