Kangar Styrofoam Ban Includes Home Food Sellers On Cash-on-delivery

KANGAR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The ban on takeaway styrofoam and polystyrene-based food containers in areas under the jurisdiction of the Kangar Municipal Council (MPK) that comes into effect today also involves those who sell food from home through cash-on-delivery sales.

MPK president Affendi Rajini Kanth said anyone who sells and distributes food is not allowed to use these plastic containers to pack food for customers while plastic straws are also prohibited from Aug 1.

“Do not use polystyrene to pack food, we (MPK) prohibit its use 100 per cent,” he said after inspecting food and beverage sales premises during the enforcement of the ban on the use of such food containers around the Taman Sena Indah area here today.

On June 8, Bernama reported that all shops, including stalls and food and drink vendors within the MPK area, are prohibited from using styrofoam and polystyrene food containers with effect from today.

Affendi said for the start of the enforcement, council enforcement will focus more on educating and advising traders before action is taken against them in accordance with the Local Government Act 1976 if they still disobey the prohibitions after such time.

“I have told law enforcement to advise them to stop using (the food containers), we will give them some time and we will issue a notice in which there will be no legal action, and after that if they (traders) default, we will take action.

“But I am sure they will comply, I’m sure within a week or 10 days from now, they will stop using it,” he said.

He said if traders fail to comply with the order they could be compounded up to RM500 or fined not more than RM2,000 by the court if convicted.

-- BERNAMA