10 million oxo-biodegradable bags for Johoreans in August

JOHOR BARU: A total of 10 million oxo-biodegradable plastic bags will be available for consumers in Johor starting this August, in an effort to reduce dependence on the use of plastic bags and polystyrene.
Johor Biotechnology and Biodiversity Corporation (J-Biotech Corporation) chief executive officer Asman Shah Abd Rahman said the plastic bags would be provided to consumers through the Local Authorities, major hypermarkets, and manufacturers in the state.
"This plastic bags can be made available to consumers at no extra cost.
"The production of this oxo-biodegradable plastic bag is a J-Biotech pilot project under the Johor Blueprint and Roadmap of Biodegradation and Biocompost (BBJ), implemented by the Johor state government to ensure that economic development in the state does not ignore the preservation of nature," he said.
Asman Shah was speaking to reporters at the breaking of fast with the media and the launch of the BBJ, here last night that was also attended by the state Health, Environment, Education and Information committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat.
Asman Shah said apart from the provision of oxo-biodegradable plastic bags, other incentives that awaited the consumers were in the form of gifts and food vouchers, as an effort to attract them to start recycling goods at the collection kiosks and centres to be set up.
He said the announcement on matters related to BBJ would be carried out through radio, social media, print media and participation in exhibitions to explain the importance of the implementation of the blueprint with the relevant state and federal non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
"Workshops and demonstrations will also be conducted throughout the state to educate and provide awareness to stakeholders in managing solid waste in an environment-friendly manner. This pilot project will also be carried out with the relevant state and federal NGOs," he said.
Meanwhile, Ayub said the BBJ draft was tabled to Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin on June 8 during the J-Biotech board members meeting while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak was expected to launch BBJ at the end of September. — Bernama