KANGAR: Food vendors here are reminded to no longer use polystyrene or styrofoam containers for packaging food sold to customers.
The ban by the Kangar Municipal Council (MPKPs), effective today, is also a precursor to the ban on plastic straws, which will take effect from Aug 1.
MPKPs president Affendi Rajini Kanth said there were around 4,000 food vendors and operators in the state, including street vendors, with a few still found using styrofoam or polystyrene containers for food packaging.
"Additionally, it cannot be denied that some nasi kandar or nasi lemak traders are still using newspaper as food wrappers. However, they are gradually transitioning to using white or wax paper for packaging.
"I also had the opportunity to visit a grocery store or mini-market in Taman Sena Indah, Kangar, where I observed that they have already started selling paper straws and have entirely stopped selling polystyrene containers. They only sell plastic containers with a permissible pH reading of 5.5, which can also be heated in a microwave oven.
"In this regard, I hope this effort can be implemented by all vendors in the state, including grocery store sellers. Those still supplying styrofoam or polystyrene containers to food operators are asked to stop doing so as it is unhealthy for consumers," he told reporters today.
Affendi added that vendors who still have stock of styrofoam or polystyrene containers are advised to finish their stock quickly or use them for purposes other than food packaging.
"We expect that by next week, 100 per cent of grocery store vendors or container distributors will stop selling styrofoam or polystyrene containers to food vendors throughout the state.
"As an alternative, food vendors and hawkers can use paper wrappers. With products like fried chicken, which are oily, these wrappers can absorb some of the oil. Additionally, we suggest vendors use reusable plastic containers that can be heated in a microwave oven.
"It would be best, however, for consumers to bring their own containers from home to package the food they buy," he added.
Affendi said that if food vendors are found to continue using prohibited containers, action can be taken against them under the Local Government Act 1976, which includes a fine of up to RM2,000.
The World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies styrene as a Group 2B carcinogen, meaning it is a possible cause of cancer in humans.
Chemicals from these containers can leach into the food and then into the human body, potentially causing genetic changes that can damage the reproductive system, lower red blood cell counts, and cause menstrual disturbances.