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 (PSP)? |
| A: | The Waste Segregation at Source Policy is an initiative introduced by the Penang state government to encourage waste segregation at the source (point of generation) by residents and businesses. |
| 2. | Q: | How to segregate waste at the source (PSP)? |
| A: | Waste is initially segregated into two categories: residual and recyclable. |
| 3. | Q: | How to segregate residual and recyclable waste? |
| A: | Residual waste which cannot be recycled, is placed in a green bin and collected according to the contractor’s collection schedule. Recyclable waste such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, paper, and tetra packs are placed in a bag and left beside the residual waste bin every Saturday for collection by the council’s (MBPP) contractor. |
| 4. | Q: | What are the three easy steps to segregate waste at the source? |
| A: |
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| 5. | Q: | What is the recycling collection schedule? |
| A: | For landed properties, every Saturday by the Council / Council Contractor. For high-rise residential, industrial, commercial, and village areas, collection by management bodies (JMB), licensed recycling contractors, or self-managed recycling centers. |
| 6. | Q: | What are examples of recyclable waste types? |
| A: | Aluminum cans, iron, metal, plastic bottles, plastic containers, plastic bags, food plastic containers, plastic buckets, glass, paper, newspapers, cardboard, magazines, books, and more. |
| 7. | Q: | What is residual waste? |
| A: | Food waste such as fruit peels, vegetable skins, eggshells, rice, etc. Dirty waste includes disposable diapers, dirty tissues, contaminated materials, boxes, and paper. |
| 8. | Q: | Who should be contacted for more information? |
| A: | Email: jpp@mbpp.gov.my, Phone: 04-263 3000, or email: eaduan@mbpp.gov.my |
| 9. | Q: | When was the Waste Segregation at Source Policy (PSP) launched in Penang? |
| A: | The policy was launched on June 1, 2016, by the former Chief Minister of Penang, Mr. Lim Guan Eng, at the entrance of KOMTAR, Penang. |
| 10. | Q: | What are the main objectives of the Waste Segregation at Source Policy? |
| A: | The policy is part of the transformation efforts under the Clean, Green, Healthy, and Safe Penang Policy. It also aligns with Local Agenda 21, which aims to provide quality and friendly services for the well-being of residents. |
| 11. | Q: | What methods are introduced in the Waste Segregation at Source Policy (PSP)? |
| A: | The Trash to Treasure method encourages residents to segregate their waste and convert it into valuable resources. |
| 12. | Q: | What are the benefits of Waste Segregation at Source Policy (PSP) for Penang residents? |
| A: | The policy aims to encourage better waste segregation practices, reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, and promote recycling. It also contributes to a cleaner, greener, healthier environment for Penang residents. |
| 13. | Q: | How can Penang residents get involved in the Waste Segregation at Source Policy? |
| A: | Penang residents can get involved by segregating their waste at home or work, sending recyclable waste to recycling centers, and supporting related initiatives organized by local authorities and the state government. |
| 14. | Q: | What is the purpose of the re-implementation of the Waste Segregation at Source Policy (PSP) starting July 1, 2024? |
| A: | The re-implementation aims to strengthen and expand waste segregation practices at the source among the Penang community, aligning with the state’s goal of creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment. |
| 15. | Q: | What efforts are being made by the state government to promote the Waste Segregation at Source Policy (PSP) |
| A: | The state government has conducted visits and briefings to schools across Penang to educate and encourage students to practice waste segregation at the source. Students are seen as future leaders who will adopt this practice as a daily habit. Various programs under MBPP, including “Town Hall Sessions” on PSP, are being organized. |
| 16. | Q: | When did the visits and briefings to schools begin? |
| A: | The school visits and briefings began on February 11, 2024, with a visit to SJK Yeok Hua Balik Pulau. |
| 17. | Q: | What types of schools are involved in the visits and briefings? |
| A: | The visits and briefings involve various types of schools, including national schools, Chinese national-type schools, Tamil national-type schools, and national secondary schools. |
| 18. | Q: | How can students play a role in the success of the Waste Segregation at Source Policy? |
| A: | Students can play a significant role by practicing waste segregation at home and school, encouraging friends and family to participate, and spreading awareness about the importance of waste segregation in the community. |
| 19. | Q: | What are the long-term benefits of the re-implementation of the Waste Segregation at Source Policy (PSP)? |
| A: | The re-implementation is expected to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, increase recycling rates, and create a cleaner and healthier environment for current and future generations in Penang. |
| 20. | Q: | How can the general public support the state government’s efforts to re-implement the Waste Segregation at Source Policy? |
| A: | The general public can support these efforts by practicing waste segregation at home, work, and public places, encouraging others to do the same, and participating in awareness programs and activities organized by the state government and local authorities related to waste segregation and recycling. |
| 21. | Q: | Where can the public get more information about the Waste Segregation at Source Policy and its re-implementation? |
| A: | The public can get more information through the official website of the Penang state government, the MBPP website, and the official social media of related agencies. They can also contact their respective local authority offices for inquiries or feedback. |
| 22. | Q: | How can the general public support the state government’s efforts to re-implement the Waste Segregation at Source Policy? |
| A: | The general public can support these efforts by practicing waste segregation at home, work, and public places, encouraging others to do the same, and participating in awareness programs and activities organized by the state government and local authorities related to waste segregation and recycling. |
Last update:3 July 2024
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Disclaimer: This information provided here is based on the latest updated data from PGC’s MAMPAN Directory. This database is updated frequently and can be found HERE. Last update:3 July 2024
*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.