BY: SYASYA SUFIAN
SHAH ALAM, JUL 23: The Subang Jaya Municipal Council’s (MPSJ) efforts for a green city is gaining awareness from the public, particularly among traders, some of whom had won the 2016 MPSJ Exemplary Ramadan Bazaar Trader award by using eco-friendly products in their handling of food.
One of the winners, Zarina Shahidan, 51, said that throughout the last Ramadan month, she was free from any action enforced by the authorities.
“I abided by all the rules and instructions set by MPSJ of not using styrofoam or polystyrene. I also ensured cleanliness in my lot, and in fact, I took it as motivation to discipline myself in my business.
“Although this is my first foray in the bazaar business, I feel that we need to maintain cleanliness and the use of eco-friendly products as recommended by MPSJ as it helps with waste disposal,” said Zarina who was previously in the catering business.
Another exemplary trader Mazuan Md Jim, 40, said that he did not expect to be selected in view that he has been a trader in the MPSJ area for many years.
“Alhamdulillah, this year is the first time I am chosen as an exemplary trader. The priority in this business is cleanliness and quality of food.
“I support MPSJ’s efforts for the green initiative. However, the traders themselves must cooperate for this effort to be truly successful,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hasnah Shafie, another award recipient said that as a trader, the main criteria is the cleanliness of the stall.
“This prevents unwanted diseases, which happens when food is exposed to a dirty environment.
“Apart from that, I also avoided using polystyrene containers as it is detrimental to the health when food is kept too long in it.
“Although it involved some additional cost, food quality is preserved and the community’s health protected,” he said.
