Latest news with #PenangGreenCouncil
The Star
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Green summit to rally stakeholders, industry leaders for climate action
(From left) Tan, Sundarajoo, Chow, Baderul Amin and Penang Green Summit organising chairman Datuk Lawrence Lim Hua Kwang, who is also PGC director, at the press conference. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star Penang is taking steps to lead regional action in addressing climate change and its economic and social impact. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that the state would host the Penang Green Summit 2025 from Oct 31 to Nov 1 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre. He said the event, themed 'Moving Towards Sustainable Energy', would merge purpose, partnership and policy in climate leadership, and energy transition. 'The Penang Green Summit 2025 is more than a continuation – it's an evolution. 'We are living in a time of climate emergency. We will not wait, we will step up,' he said during a press conference at Komtar. Chow, who is also Penang Green Council (PGC) chairman, pointed out that the hottest year ever recorded was 2024 when global temperatures reached 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. He said rising sea levels, floods, heatwaves and disruptions to food security were part of unpredictable weather. 'Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue but also an economic, social, and public health challenge. 'If we fail to act decisively, we risk the very well-being of our current and future generations,' he cautioned. Chow said PGC had since 2011 been pushing for public awareness, green certification, policy advocacy, and industry enablement. 'Last year, we launched the Penang Energy Framework for clean, secure and efficient energy, with a focus on renewables and energy efficiency,' he said. The upcoming summit will be the state's next step in terms of moving from the planning to implementation stages, he added. The two-day event will bring together decision-makers, industry leaders, academics, innovators and public sector players for dialogue, alignment and action. As part of the summit, the state government will also host a Green Gala Dinner to recognise leaders in sustainability. The dinner will also be a platform for industries to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and explore green solutions. PGC general manager Josephine Tan said the state was advancing its renewable energy agenda through action plans. 'Each programme is tied to clear sectoral objectives and all are progressing as planned. 'These initiatives underscore our dedication to building a low-carbon future,' she said, reaffirming Penang's continuous push towards sustainability. Also present during the press conference were Penang environment committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo and Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid.
The Star
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Hawkers, markets next in plastic phase-out plan
Coming prepared: Shoppers using their reusable bag to carry their groceries at a supermarket in George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Penang aims to phase out plastic foodware such as straws, cutlery and packaging at wet markets and hawker centres. Penang Green Council (PGC) general manager Josephine Tan said the state government is exploring sustainable packaging alternatives, particularly for hawkers and wet market traders, to support the transition. She said it was vital to adopt a '3A concept' – accessible, affordable and available – when introducing biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging solutions to the businesses. For now, the 'No Plastic Bag 2.0 campaign' does not apply to hawkers, wet market traders or stand-alone businesses. Tan also highlighted the need to educate consumers to bring their own bags or containers while grocery shopping or for takeaways. 'With the support of the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021–2030, we're optimistic that these collective efforts will help shift public mindset and significantly reduce reliance on single-use plastics. 'If everyone adopts this habit, plastic bag usage will gradually decline. Ultimately, it comes down to demand and supply,' she said. Tan added that a series of awareness campaigns are being planned, including targeted outreach to hawkers and wet market traders. 'One positive example is the Medan Renong Food Court, a pilot project by the Penang Island City Council, which has successfully achieved zero plastic usage. 'While there are challenges, the transition can be implemented in phases with the support of business owners and the public.' Based on recent data and surveys, Tan said the No Plastic Bag 2.0 campaign has led to encouraging progress, with more consumers opting for reusable bags and businesses increasingly offering greener alternatives. She also noted a steady rise in environmental awareness. 'Consumer demand for plastic bags dropped by 78% from 2020 to 2021, followed by a further 28% reduction from 2021 to 2022.' Tan said small incentives, such as discounts for customers who bring their own reusable bags, could further motivate the public to adopt sustainable habits. 'We aim to focus on communication, education and public awareness, particularly among the younger generation, because lasting change begins when good habits are formed early,' she said. Tan also stressed the importance of consistent outreach efforts to maintain momentum. 'Continuous awareness is key, which is why PGC organises a series of eco-talks and community programmes throughout the year. 'We are also organising zero-waste events, involving schools in sustainability efforts, and introducing simple reward systems to encourage plastic-free practices.' Penang introduced a daily no-plastic-bag campaign starting March 1, compelling consumers to use only reusable bags for their purchases. The campaign, known as 'No Plastic Bag 2.0,' involves supermarkets, department and convenience stores, hypermarkets, fast food restaurants, petrol station convenience stores, retail chains, pharmacies, as well as other business premises.
