Sibu council mulling ban of plastic bags at markets and malls
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) plans to ban single-use plastic bags at all its markets.

Its chairman Clarence Ting said SMC would also aim for Sibu markets to stop using the unsustainable item, the same way supermarkets were discouraged from providing shoppers with single-use plastic bags.

He also urged the public to use their own water bottles instead of drinking from single-use plastic cups.

“We need to encourage companies like Moma Water (which manufactures and bottles water)to instal water dispenser machines around town for people to refill their water bottles,” he said at the launch of “Love Earth Day campaign” held at Wisma Sanyan.

Through this practice, he said the production of plastic waste could be reduced.

Ting also urged companies and non-governmental organisations to stop giving out bottled water during their events.

“At the Sibu International Bike Week 2023, I told the organiser to stop giving out bottled water but instead give out bottles for people to refill water in future events,” he said.

He added that he would also consider stopping the sale of bottled water at the upcoming 22nd Borneo Cultural Festival in July, the town’s biggest annual tourism event that has in recent years attracted about half a million people.

He said the disposing of plastic bags and bottles was affecting the environment, especially in Kampung Datu and Kampung Hilir.

The two villages were located along the banks of Sungai Igan, a 95km-long primary route of several rural districts in Sarawak.

“This is a problem in Sibu, especially in Kampung Datu and Kampung Hilir.

“Plastic items are being thrown in the river and ending up at the two kampung where residents are being unfairly blamed for plastic pollution,” he said.

Ting said SMC was the first Sarawak local authority to ban the use of polystyrene containers in all food outlets.

The ban took effect on Jan 1, 2014.

The council had also banned eateries from providing plastic straws.

“In Sibu, it has already been 10 years since we stopped using plastic straws.

“We should be proud of that. Kuching is now following suit,” he said.
Sabah & Sarawak,Love Earth Day,ban,plastic bag usage,SMC,Clarence Ting
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) plans to ban single-use plastic bags at all its markets.