KUALA TERENGGANU, March 22 (Bernama) – As Terengganu enters phase 2 of its ‘No Plastic Bag and Straws Only On Request’ campaign this year, it is encouraging the 5,342 traders at its 63 Ramadan bazaars to switch to eco-friendly bags and straws.

“Customers are also encouraged to bring your own (BYO) bags and food containers to reduce single-use plastics,” said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar after launching the campaign's 2022-2025 phase which encompasses among others wet, night and farmers' markets, at Wisma Darul Iman today.

Phase 1 from 2018-2021 encompassed reducing plastic use at fast food restaurants, shopping centres and etc every Friday and Saturday.

“Under this campaign, business premises must provide environmentally friendly alternatives such as bags that can be reused and straws only upon request,” he said.

According to Terengganu Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman, Dr Alias Razak, authorities will only be advising traders to refrain from using single-use plastic – for now.

“However, if we see that the campaign isn’t working (tidak jalan), we may make it a licence condition and traders liable to a fine,” he said, while adding that this year Ramadan traders can impose a charge on biodegradable plastic bags to help offset costs. 

-- BERNAMA