Convenience store chain hands RM500k in plastic bag proceeds to MPK

KLANG: A total of RM500,000 of proceeds generated by 99 Speedmart Sdn Bhd (Speedmart) through its sales of plastic bags has been channeled to the Klang Municipal Council (MPK).
The amount was gained through the sales in 91 Speedmart branches in Klang since the plastic bag ban ruling was implemented by the state government early this year.
MPK president Datuk Mohamad Yasid Bidin said the amount would be used for various environment and tourism programmes, including the cleanup and beautification of the Klang river.
In praising the effort, Yasid added Speedmart was the first company to have approached MPK to donate proceeds from its plastic bag sales for an environmental cause.
"If there are others that want to come forward and volunteer for such a cause, we will encourage them to do so," he said during a press conference after the funds were handed over at the MPK building here.
Speedmart executive director Ng Lee Tieng said the initiative would be the first of many that it had planned in promoting a greener environment.
She said a similar collaboration would be done in other districts in Selangor, with the possibility of it being expanded to other states in the future.
"Although it is still in discussion, we have plans to cooperate with the Shah Alam City Council for the initiative next month.
"Priority was given to MPK first because our business started in Klang 30 years ago. We want to make the city cleaner and more organised," she said.
The ban was introduced by the Selangor government effective Jan 1 this year in its effort to reduce the usage of plastic bags by businesses and consumers.
Consumer would have to pay 20 sen for every plastic bag they purchase, but businesses are not obligated to channel the proceeds for environmental efforts.