GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has introduced a self-service plate and bowl return initiative at the Tanjung Bungah food complex to promote cleanliness and improve food court management.
The pilot project encourages customers to return used plates, bowls and eating utensils to designated collection points after their meals.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the initiative was intended to streamline the collection and cleaning of crockery, ensure food waste was disposed of properly and keep dining areas clean and comfortable.
He said the initiative's success would depend on the cooperation of traders, premises management and customers.
He said the city council appreciated the allocation of 56 containers to support the programme, which could benefit both traders and visitors.
The Tanjung Bungah food complex has 56 stalls, comprising two halal food stalls and 54 non-halal stalls, including 50 food stalls and four beverage stalls.
Other facilities at the complex include an automated external defibrillator (AED), a recycling station, a used cooking oil collection centre, an electric vehicle charging station and a recycling bag rack.
MBPP also spent RM115,507.05 on minor maintenance works at the complex from 2024 to 2026, covering electrical, plumbing and structural repairs.
Of the total, RM31,723.19 was spent in 2024, RM38,853.68 in 2025 and RM44,930.18 in 2026 to date.
Rajendran said the council would assess the initiative's implementation based on the suitability of each location, operational needs and existing facilities.
The initiative supports the Penang2030 vision of creating a clean, sustainable and liveable urban environment.
State Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said 56 containers would be distributed to traders at the complex, with each stall receiving two containers, one blue and one red.
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"The blue container is designated for used plates, bowls and eating utensils, while the red container is for food waste," he said.
Meanwhile, retiree Mark Chew, 85, welcomed the initiative but said public awareness and personal responsibility were crucial to keeping the food complex clean.
He said the council should not assume that everyone would follow the rules voluntarily.
"Do it gradually over a few months. Send enforcement officers to issue warnings.
"It may take time, but it can be successful if everyone cooperates," he said.
Chew also stressed that traders had a responsibility to operate their stalls regularly, saying cleanliness and consistent business operations were both important to customers.
Food stall operator Surina Shmsuri, 56, said she supported the initiative, adding that it should have been introduced earlier.
"It is good to support this initiative. Ultimately, it is everyone's responsibility to ensure cleanliness," she said.
She said fast-food outlets such as KFC and McDonald's had familiarised customers with returning trays and keeping dining areas tidy.
However, she acknowledged that getting everyone to adopt the habit could take time, as some customers might still need reminders to return their plates after eating.
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