MPAJ’s Sustainable Bazaar Programme 2016 at Pandan Indah’s Ramadan bazaar emphasises use of biodegradable or reusable containers instead of polystyrene.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) has joined other local councils to discourage the use of polystyrene and plastics, by launching its Sustainable Bazaar Programme 2016.
Selangor Housing Committee chairman Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad said the state government was looking at implementing a ban on polystyrene and plastics in favour of reusable and biodegradable containers.
“When we carry out gotong-royong, we see plastic and polystyrene containers clogging up drains.
“It is a cause of flash floods and also becomes breeding ground for mosquitoes.
“That is why the council is encouraging the use of biodegradable containers instead; the state is still in its educational campaigning stage.
“Other states such as Malacca have banned the use of polystyrene, and Selangor may go in that direction but we will first research the effects of such a move,” he said at the programme held at the Pandan Indah Ramadan bazaar.
Five traders at the bazaar were given an incentive for their efforts in keeping their stalls clean, in a bid to motivate others at the market.
In addition to the programme, Iskandar also plans to promote the use of reusable containers at night markets by distributing such containers to market-goers starting this week.
“The use of reusable containers should continue beyond Ramadan,” he added.
MPAJ assistant secretary Johari Atli said the council had prepared 1,614 lots for traders in 22 locations in Ampang Jaya.
“So far, 1,417 lots are occupied by food traders and 28 taken up by drinks and coconut sellers.
“The selection of lots is on a first-come-first-served basis, and traders are limited to two lots each.
Johari also emphasised the importance of recycling in general, including processing used cooking oil.
“The programme is in line with MPAJ’s mission to make Ampang Jaya a sustainable city.
“It is aimed at strengthening awareness among traders and the general public on the importance of hygiene, encouraging the use of biodegradable containers, and raising the awareness of recycling solid waste as well as cooking oil.
“In total, the council has collected 2,149 litres of used cooking oil since the beginning of the year up to May,” he said.
Used oil collection schedule for Ramadan markets is 3pm to 5pm weekly at Muhibbah Complex on Mondays, Bandar Baru Ampang on Tuesdays, Taman Melawati and Keramat Permai on Wednesdays, Bukit Indah on Thursdays, and Pandan Indah as well as Taman Melor on Saturdays.
