By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, May 8: Miri Mayor Adam Yii on Tuesday afternoon launched a ‘Refuse Plastic Straws’ (Tak Nak Straw) campaign at the Miri Indoor Stadium compound.
When met after the launch, Yii said the campaign would be part of Miri City Council (MCC)’s efforts to persuade the public to reduce the usage of plastic straws in their daily routine.
“There are so many alternatives that we can use besides plastic straws; limit the use of plastic straws for the better future for our environment,” he said.
The campaign is also in line with MCC’s re-branding efforts in promoting 5R (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repurpose) to the public.
When asked if there was any timeline given for restaurant or food operators to oblige with the campaign, Yii said there was no timeline as the council wanted to inculcate awareness amongst the public how straws could harm the environment.
“Plastic straws are among the top 10 marine debris items. Restaurants throw away thousands of plastic straws a year and plastic straws remain on earth forever since they are not biodegradable.
“It is used for an average of 20 minutes, but their effects last a lifetime on the ground and ocean, piling up daily. It is an extreme waste for minimal convenience,” he pointed out.
Hence, Yii is hoping and encouraged food operators and the public to support the campaign.
On another matter, in conjunction with the Ramadhan month and in view of food stalls being set up during the period, MCC would be sending officers from its Public Health section to conduct inspection at Ramadhan bazaars.
There are four such bazaars operating here during the whole fasting month, namely at the Saberkas ‘Pasar Malam’; Morsjaya; Lutong; and Miri Indoor Stadium.
So far no complaints have been received pertaining to contaminated food or food poisoning cases, Yii said.
Also present at the event were Yii’s deputy Julaihi Mohammad, the event organising chairman Cr Karambir Singh and 37 students from the Miri Training Institute (IKBN). — DayakDaily
