THE move to ban polystyrene in several states and at the local council level is laudable. The ban addresses the impact of polystyrene use in food packaging and on the environment.
Styrofoam contains the chemical styrene, which is listed by the United States’ Toxicology Programme as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”. These non-environmental friendly packaging material also clog our drainage systems, turning them into potential mos-quito breeding sites and increasing vulnerability to flooding.
However, without a strong strategy, the ban will strain stakeholders and consumers. There is more to be done to ensure compliance with the ban. More information on the ban should be made available to the public and stakeholders. This includes cost implications of purchasing alternative packaging for small traders and consumers, as they are more expensive than polystyrene.
State governments and local councils should consider subsidising alternative packaging to ensure that the extra costs are not transferred to consumers. The government also needs to ensure that alternative packaging is readily available.
SHARVIN A. SUBRAMANIAM, Public Health Research & Education Association of Malaysia