Frequently Asked Questions
| 1. | Q: | What is No Free Plastic Bags policy? |
| A: | No Free Plastic Bags is a campaign launched by Penang State Government since 2009. Business premises that fall under categories listed in the Guidelines of No Free Plastic Bags policy will not provide free plastic bags to shopper, but with a charge of 20 sen for each plastic bag requested over checkout counter. |
| 2. | Q: | What is the rationale behind the No Free Plastic Bags policy? |
| A: | Plastic bag is convenient for shopper, however when it is beyond control, single-use plastic bags create environmental impact such as wastage of landfills and marine pollution. |
| 3. | Q: | How do you identify the impact of this campaign on public behaviour? |
| A: | Public Survey has been carried out periodically to obtain better understanding of public views about the campaign. Also, the public behavioural change can be identified by the total amount of 20 sen collection for each plastic bag, less collection indicates less plastic shopping bags being purchased over checkout counter. |
| 4. | Q: | What is the outcome of No Free Plastic Bags policy after nine years being implemented in Penang? |
| A: | According to our Public Survey conducted in last September, we attained a 100 percent rate from the survey question of being aware about the state policy regarding ‘No Free Plastic Bags Everyday’. 85 percent of those people mutually agreed that reducing plastic bags usage will eventually suppress waste in Penang. 65 percent of the 2,582 people had agreed saying they chose to carry their own shopping bag instead of buying plastic bags. |
| 5. | Q: | Where will the 20 sen collection of each plastic bag being channelled to? |
| A: | The 20 sen charged for each plastic bag is channelled to the state’s AES programme (Agenda Ekonomi Saksama) which plays a role in eradicating poverty in Penang. |
| 6. | Q: | How much is the collection from the 20 sen per plastic requested that has been collected in yearly basis? |
| A: | In 2014, the total fund collected was RM 1,040,750.81 whereas in September 2017, the total fund of the year was RM 881,542.25. The total that state had collected from July 2009 until June 2018 is RM7, 764, 942.40. |
| 7. | Q: | Are business premises allowed to use biodegradable bag as an alternative? |
| A: | All single-use shopping bags including biodegradable bags are not encouraged to be used at checkout counter as they create the same environmental impact which is waste generation and burden the capacity of the landfill. The best practice to promote zero waste is to use reusable bags. |
| 8. | Q: | What is the local council’s plan to strengthen the policy? |
| A: | The local government is now in the progress of drafting bylaws to support the No Free Plastic Bag policy, which enforcement will be implemented, and compound will be charged to offences committed. |
| 9. | Q: | According to the current progress of No Free Plastic Bag, will the policy be applied to hawkers and wet markets as well? |
| A: | According to the current guidelines of No Free Plastic Bag policy, hawkers and wet markets do not fall into any category of business premises in the guidelines, however they are encouraged to register with local council to abide with the guidelines, certificate of acknowledgement will be given to them by local council as a recognition. |
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| 1. | Q: | What is Waste Segregation at Source? |
| A: | Waste Segregation at Source is the process of segregating solid waste generated at its source to at least two streams, namely recyclable waste (paper, plastic, glass, aluminum cans/iron / metals (Clean and dry) and general waste (dirty waste and food waste |
| 2. | Q: | When will the Waste Segregation at Source Policy be implemented? |
| A: | Waste Segregation at Source Policy begins on 1st June 2016. |
| 3. | Q: | When will the Waste Segregation at Source Policy to be enforced? |
| A: | The Penang State Government has set June 1, 2017, for enforcement of the Waste Segregation at Source Policy throughout the state. |
| 4. | Q: | What action will be taken if a person does not comply with the Waste Segregation at Source Policy? |
| A: | Yes. After one year of policy education and promotion, starting from June 1, 2017, a RM250 fine will be imposed on those found to have dumped recyclable materials with their general garbage. |
| 5. | Q: | What types of premises are involved in the implementation of Waste Segregation at Source Policy? |
| A: | All residential, industrial, and commercial premises are involved. |
| 6. | Q: | Is the Waste Segregation at Source mechanism varied by category? |
| A: | Yes, the Waste Segregation at Source mechanism is different by category |
| 7. | Q: | What should be done by owners/ residents of the premises? |
| A: | Owners/ residents should segregate waste into at least two streams, namely general waste and recyclable waste. |
| 8. | Q: | When will the recyclable waste be collected by MBPP/ MBSP? |
| A: | Recyclable waste collection will take place every Saturday for residential/shop lot (real estate) only. Please refer to MBPP/ MPSP’s official website or contact council for further questions. MBPP: 04-263 7637 (hotline) MPSP: 04-549 7555 (hotline) |
| 9. | Q: | What should be done with dirty or greasy recyclable waste? |
| A: | Please wash with water and dry it before recycling. |
| 10. | Q: | Will owners/residents get a return in terms of money if recyclable waste is collected by the local authority? |
| A: | No. Owners/residents will not receive any money if recyclable waste is collected by the local authority. |
| 11. | Q: | Will the state government or local authorities provide new bins or containers for recyclable waste to owners/residents? |
| A: | The state government or local authority will not provide new bins or containers for recyclable waste. You are advised to use a plastic bag or container that is suitable for recyclable waste. |
| 12. | Q: | Are owners/residents required to buy specific bins or containers for recyclable waste? |
| A: | There is no need to buy any specific bins. You are advised to use plastic bag or container that is suitable for recyclable waste. |
| 13. | Q: | Will the state government or local authority provide funds or other incentives to JKKK/ management for the provision of recycling bins/recycling centre? |
| A: | No funds will be allocated to any JKKK/ management. |
| 14. | Q: | What should be done by owners/residents who live in strata buildings? |
| A: | Please segregate waste into at least two streams. |
| 15. | Q: | Who is responsible to conduct briefing regarding Waste Segregation at Source Policy in my community? |
| A: | Please contact the following agencies if you wish to have briefing conducted in your community. MBPP: 04-263 7637 MPSP: 04-549 7555 Solid Waste Management Unit, Local Government Division: 04-6502020 Penang Green Council: 04-250 3321 |
| 16. | Q: | Where can I get publicity materials regarding Waste Segregation at Source Policy? |
| A: | Download the publicity materials here Or contact: MBPP: 04-263 7637 (hotline) MPSP: 04-549 7555 (hotline) |
| 17. | Q: | Do I need to apply for a licence if I want to collect recyclable materials? |
| A: | Yes, you need to apply for a licence from MBPP Licencing Division and/or MPSP Licencing Department. MBPP Licencing Division: (04-2638818) MPSP Licencing Department: (04-5497555) |
| 18. | Q: | Who will be in charge for the appointment of licensed recycling operator? |
| A: | JKKK/ management has the right/ option to choose any licensed operators required. |
| 19. | Q: | Will monitoring be conducted to ensure that the people carry out the responsibility of sorting waste? |
| A: | Yes, monitoring will be conducted by the relevant authorities from time to time. |
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Disclaimer: This information provided here is based on the latest updated data from PGC’s Zero Waste Network. This database is updated frequently and can be found HERE. Last update: 22 April 2021
*Information provided is only applicable for Penang State. |
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1. What is the difference between the ISO 14000 standard and the Penang Green Office certification?
The ISO 14000 standard and the Penang Green Office certification share the same purpose which is to help organizations protect the environment, minimize pollution and to raise eco-consciousness in all aspects of the workplace.
ISO 14000 defines the scope of an organization’s Environmental Management System (EMS), identifies the environmental aspects associated with all operating conditions and situations and clarifies the legal and other requirements that apply to the organization’s environmental aspects.
The Penang Green Office certification assessment criteria’s main focus is on the office area and provides guidelines on practical actions and solutions on how to be “green”. These guidelines cover the 8 criteria mentioned (Purchasing Office Equipment & Stationery- Green Principles, Waste reduction & Recycling, Energy Conservation, Water Conservation, Paper Usage Control, Printer, Photocopier, Fax & Cartridges Control, Indoor Air Quality Improvement & Employee and Community Engagement).
Thus, the difference is that ISO 14000 deals with standards, the Penang Green Office certification deals with actual actions and practical steps taken to be green.
2. If my organization has more than one office location, do I enter data for the company as a whole or for each individual office?
Submissions should be sent for each separate office location.
3. What are the benefits of participation?
- A certification plaque and certificate
- The right to use the Penang Green Office logo on company letterheads, correspondence, advertisements and other publicity materials
- Participation in the Penang Green Office Project Certificate Presentation Ceremony
- Participating organization name to be published in the PGC website
- Advertisement in Buletin Mutiara
4. We have several offices located in one building; will the site audit cover all offices?
The site audit will cover the main office area which is determined by the amount of headcount and space.
5. How is the site audit conducted? What documentation or proof do I need to provide?
The auditors will have a copy of the answers that your office has submitted to PGC. During the site tour, the auditors will verify your compliance through both documentation and records.