KANGAR: Kangar Municipal Council (MPKangar) president Affendi Rajini Kanth is on a mission to make Perlis the safest, greenest and cleanest state in Malaysia.
Like some of the roles played by Tamil cinema superstar Rajinikanth, Perlis' Rajini Kanth isn't afraid of making bold moves to achieve his goals.
Affendi has already introduced a ban on polystyrene and styrofoam containers for food vendors in the state. A ban on plastic straws will follow.
Speaking to the New Straits Times, he said he was resolute in seeing MPKangar strictly enforce the new measures.
"Perlis can be a model state in implementing sustainable and health-conscious policies.
"Some people may say it's a bit fast, but if it is not fast, then it's late. When should we start? We have to start somewhere.
"I announced the ban on July 15. But we give are giving vendors one to two weeks of grace period.
"For food vendors, the ban is 100 per cent, no compromise. We will start enforcing this, issuing compounds and taking legal action from Aug 1," he said when met at his office.
Affendi said the move was in line with the wishes of the Perlis royal family and the state government to make upholding cleanliness a priority for the state.
The state government is mulling plans to ban plastic bags and plastic bottles and launch awareness campaigns in schools statewide.
"These policies have been implemented in many developed countries. We don't have them here, so we have to start somewhere," Affendi said.
He said the primary challenge was not implementation, but execution.
"Some states have already implemented bans on plastic, polystyrene and styrofoam, but struggle to enforce it.
"So the challenge is not implementing. The challenge is executing and sustaining the attitude. How do we ensure this sticks?
"We don't want to revert to old habits after six months. We must be strict and unwavering. I won't tolerate any compromise."
MPKangar is the sole local authority in Perlis.
Effective July 15, food vendors in the state cannot use polystyrene or styrofoam containers. Plastic straws will also be banned effective Aug 1.