Miri eyes ‘no plastic bag every day’ title
MIRI: Miri city is looking forward to become the first city in Malaysia to enforce the ‘no plastic bag every day’ campaign.Miri Mayor Lawrence Lai said the campaign would be held in conjunction with Miri Mayfest 2010 which marks the fifth anniversary of Miri as a resort city.
“This campaign is to reduce the usage of plastic in everyday activities,” Lai told a press conference at the Miri Municipal Council (MCC) yesterday.
At present, free plastic bags are given out by supermarkets on weekdays only.
Once the campaign comes into force, these plastic bags would be charged 20 sen each. Out of this, 10 sen would be donated to registered charitable bodies such as the Miri Dialysis Centre, and the remaining 10 sen would go to MCC.
During the Miri Mayfest, MCC also hopes to get Miri listed in the Malaysia Book of Records (Mybor) under the ‘biggest outdoor ecobag shopping in one hour’ category.
“Sales booths will be set up at the Miri Stadium for patrons to shop using their ecobags.
“We are hoping that 5,000 people will shop at the venue to create the biggest outdoor ecobag shopping in one hour for the Malaysia Book of Records,” said Lai.
Sarawak Shell Berhad will be sponsoring 5,000 ecobags for use on that day.
Pre-registration for the ‘ecobag shopping’ will be held on April 16 onwards at the MCC One-Stop-Center.
Those who are interested can purchase RM10 vouchers as there will be no money transaction allowed during the event.
Participants are, however, limited to RM10 vouchers only as the event is to attract shoppers to shop using ecobags.
The participating shoppers will get to enjoy discounts and cheaper price for items put up for sale.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan is scheduled to officiate at the event.
A mass aerobics session and three deejays from I.FM will be around on that day to liven up the occasion.
Among those present at the press conference were Deputy Mayor Mohd Chee Kadir, organising committee members and representatives from participating supermarkets.
