KUCHING, April 22: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) plans to enforce the ban on styrofoam containers and plastic straws in eateries within its jurisdiction starting from July this year.
MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said before the policy is implemented, the council will also conduct discussions with eateries under its jurisdiction regarding the matter.
“MBKS will continue to engage with the associations to negotiate a cut-off date for the discontinuation of the use of public straws that will be beneficial for all,” he said during the launching ceremony of the Earth Day programme held at MBKS today.
Wee said MBKS also aim to incorporate the ban on plastic straws and styrofoam containers into the license conditions.
He pointed out that once it becomes a license condition, the council can revoke the license under Section 145(6)(b) of the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996 [Chapter 20] if there is a breach.
He said the council has the right to create such a policy, and it will be added to the existing policy for the operation of hawker centres and markets.
When asked by reporters if there is any extension period before the policy is implemented, Wee opined that there should not be because the council wants to raise awareness on the usage of plastic straws and styrofoam containers under its jurisdiction within the next few months.
He added some eateries in the MBKS area have stopped using plastic straws by using other alternatives such as rice straws. — DayakDaily
