KUCHING: The Kuching City South Municipal Council (MBKS) will be implementing the “No Polystyrene” policy in all coffee shops, eateries and restaurants in the city effective January next year.
Kuching City South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said this in his speech at dialogue on no plastic straw and styrofoam containers with representatives from the coffee shop owners and association here today.
He added that the owners and proprietors of coffee shops and eateries in its jurisdiction have two months to clear their stock.
“In the event that you have a problem, we in MBKS can try to come up with a solution,” he said.
Wee added that Kuching is now a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, a recognition for its food heritage and diversity.
“Restaurant, food shops and kopitiam are also part of the facilities and food activities under this prestigious recognition.
“MBKS have currently been practicing the “no polysterene” movement throughout our markets and hawker centers. I believe more people including yourself are aware of the side effects of using polysterene as food containers both to human and environment in the long term period,” he said.
Wee also reminded that plastic in any form is harmful for the environment.
“It is a major matter of concern these days. It not only is affecting human beings but also is putting a threat to the lives of the marine animals,” he added.
Stressing that the policy and movement has got nothing to do with politics and the coming election, he said plastic pollution has become a menace.
“We have the latest figures now in Kuching on the numbers of plastic waste and we already have two million filling up our landfills,” he said.
“We should all do our part to protect the environment. But we should do it thoughtfully, to make sure that what we are doing will indeed make a difference,”Wee added.
