KLANG: The first sustainability-driven Ramadan Bazaar to operate with minimum use of plastic bags, is open to consumers at Taman Awam Pengkalan Batu here.
The traders operating at this Ramadan Bazaar also encourage visitors and customers to bring their own take away containers to ensure the #sayno2plastic initiative is fully practiced during this fasting month.
The bazaar, which is jointly organised by the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) and Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd (LLSB) is part of the ongoing Klang River revival initiative called Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG).
The new concept is hoped to be the first step towards minimising waste during Ramadan and creating more environmental awareness within the community.
Lending her support to this initiative was environmental advocate and Selangor Princess Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the founder of #sayno2plastic Malaysia.
Speaking after a walkabout at the Bazaar, Tengku Zatashah said she hoped to see more consumers bring their own containers when buying food and beverages during Ramadan bazaars nationwide.
"It's disheartening to see the amount of plastic packaging used each year during this period and I believe that practising sustainability year-round can make a significant impact in reducing waste. Let's make conscious choices and work together to change our behaviour" she said today.
The bazaar, which is largely supported by traders from Persatuan Usahawan Digital Muslim Selangor is located next to the Klang River, symbolic to the steps that have been taken by SMG to revive the river starting in 2016.
Also present at the walkabout was the Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Klang Noraini Roslan and LLSB's managing director Syaiful Azmen Nordin.
Noraini said the bazaar was the perfect opportunity for people to use less plastics and packaging.
"We have a dedicated group of traders who are willing to commit to being more sustainable and I believe that we can be the example of how we can celebrate our traditions, while also being responsible citizens".
She added that visitors to this bazaar were encouraged to bring their own reusable containers or tiffin carriers for a more eco-friendly experience.
"A special fun activity is also planned for visitors to take a photo of themselves at SMG's #PlastikTakOnz #sayno2plastic Photobooth with their 'cool' tiffins, cups and carrier bags and share the picture on Instagram to win prizes every week," she said.
Apart from using less plastic bags, the organisers have also placed recycling stations around the park to ensure that any inorganic waste generated is disposed properly.
Meanwhile, Syaiful Azmen said the decision to locate the bazaar next to a river was a strategic one to remind people of the value of our rivers and the need to protect them.
"The Ramadan Bazaar which starts today until April 23 at Taman Awam Pangkalan Batu, Klang will also provide visitors a unique experience of breaking fast by the river, against a backdrop of nature. However we encourage visitors to bring their own mats," he said.