By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Oct 18: The operating licences of eatery operators who are found still using plastic straws after three warnings will have their licences revoked without exception, according to Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
He announced that plastic drinking straws will be strictly prohibited at all eateries under the MBKS jurisdiction beginning Jan 1, 2023.
“A simple way to reduce the use of plastic straws is to not use them at all. Simply replacing cheap and disposable plastic straws with reusable stainless steel, glass, or biodegradable paper alternatives is a better way to reduce plastic pollution and straw consumption.
“However, in order for this to be a success, all parties, including yourself and plastic straw suppliers, must begin participating, and the suppliers must shift their focus from being a profit-making company to being more responsible in playing a leading role in environmental preservation,” Wee said earlier in his speech at the ‘No Plastic Straw Awareness Dialogue Session’ held with eatery operators under MBKS jurisdiction, which was held in the MBKS auditorium.
The mayor also encouraged eatery operators to replace plastic straws with rice straws from NakedWonders, a Kuching-based enterprise that promotes the use of edible and biodegradable rice straws.
He hoped that everyone will give their support to MBKS for the plastic straw ban in line with efforts to preserve the environment.
“MBKS is currently promoting the “No Polystyrene” movement in our markets and hawker centres.
“Along with Kuching being designated as the City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, the “No Plastic Straw” policy has also been implemented as part of the council’s efforts to be more environmentally friendly,” Wee asserted. — DayakDaily
