THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has introduced the self-service cutlery return initiative at the Tanjung Bungah market food court.
The aim is to improve cleanliness, promote civic responsibility and encourage better food-waste management.
Food waste makes up 47 per cent of MBPP's total municipal waste in the state, widely regarded as the country's gastronomic capital.
The initiative, launched recently, is the first of its kind at an MBPP-owned food complex, involving 56 food stalls with a seating capacity of 50.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari oversaw the initiative with help from George Town Lord Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran, who is also MBPP president.
Zairil sees the initiative as improving operational efficiency, enhancing hygiene and raising the image of Penang’s food courts, especially as food is a tourism draw.
“Besides improving waste segregation, this initiative promotes civic consciousness, as people learn to think about others rather than just themselves.
“When diners return their dishes after eating, the tables can be cleaned and made available for other customers quickly,” he said.
Zairil said MBPP had received complaints about used cutlery being left on the floor or tables for extended periods, attracting flies and affecting the cleanliness level.
He expressed hope that the initiative would eventually be expanded to other food complexes across Penang if successful.
Rajendran said the council hoped to assess the initiative’s effectiveness within 30 days before extending it to other food complexes and hawker centres.
“All 56 stalls will participate in the initiative, which has already begun. We hope to receive the cooperation of everyone, especially the stall operators and customers, to ensure its success.
“We will provide advice rather than impose penalties, as the objective is to cultivate civic consciousness and encourage people to consider the needs of others,” he said.
A poster displaying details about the initiative has been put up at the food complex.
The initiative also introduced a food-waste segregation and recycling component at the complex, with stall operators required to collect food waste daily and place it in designated bins for composting. - October 14, 2026.