Want not, waste not: Teachers and pupils being reminded not to waste food nor to use polystyrene, with paper as an alternative, with which to pack food during the Thaipusam celebrations at Jalan Kebun Bunga in Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Organisations setting up thaneer panthals (refreshment stalls) offering free food and drinks, as well as devotees have been urged to refrain from using polystyrene containers and cups during Thaipusam.
Instead, they should adopt safer options such as using paper plates and cups, urged Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer N.V. Subbarow.
“There are safer and better ways to serve food that would not harm others and the environment.
“Many options including paper plates and containers as well as paper cups, reusable bags and even plates made from leaves that are not hazardous can be used.
“These plates and cups can hold the food equally as well as polystyrene ones.
“Some stalls can even serve drinks in stainless steel cups which can be washed,” he said, urging for a nationwide ban on the use of polystyrene containers and cups.
Subbarow said despite being banned in Penang, there were still shops selling polystyrene containers and cups as there is a demand, especially during occasions like Thaipusam.
“During Thaipusam, charity organisations provide free food and most of them use polystyrene containers. They cite convenience as a reason for using these containers, cutlery and cups as they are serving large crowds.
“This, however, results in a large number of polystyrene waste produced yearly.
“Many seem unaware that polystyrene takes 500 years to degrade in the environment.
“Polystyrene packaging contains some residual styrene as the manufacturing process does not eliminate 100% of it.
“These chemicals can then go into food, especially when left out in the heat. Eventually, these chemicals can pose health issues.
“When polystyrene is burned, it emits a dangerous chemical which poses health threats to all as well,” he said during a press conference held in front of SJK (T) Azad in Jalan Kebun Bunga yesterday.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Hindu Sangam Bukit Bendera branch chairman A. Tharman highlighted the need to reduce food wastage.
“This year in Penang, we will have 150 panthals, which means many will be serving food.
“In pre-pandemic 2020, we believe there were 70 tonnes of food wastage.
“We urge those serving food to reduce their serving size.
“We understand they are giving out annadanam (free food) but there will be no shortage of food for devotees, so we hope they would reduce the portions and only give one pack per person,” he said.
M. Joel Jeyachandran, who has been supplying coconuts for devotees during Thaipusam over the past 20 years, said he would prepare 50,000 coconuts for his customers this year.
“There are regular customers and new ones as well but the demand has not increased. This is because the price of coconuts has increased,” he said.
After two years of muted celebrations, some 1.5 million devotees are expected to throng the Arulmigu Sree Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Hilltop Temple, where the colourful kavadis will be making a grand comeback for Thaipusam.
The number of coconuts to be broken during the chariots’ processions is expected to triple this year.
