Tanjung Bungah food complex rolls out self-service plate return initiative

The Penang Island City Council has launched a self-service plate and bowl return system at the Tanjung Bungah food complex in George Town. The pilot program aims to enhance cleanliness and streamline food court management. Customers are encouraged to return used dining items to designated collection containers after their meals. Council Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran stated that the initiative would rely on the cooperation of traders, management, and customers to be successful.

The Tanjung Bungah complex houses 56 stalls, including two halal food stalls and 54 non-halal stalls. Additional amenities at the complex include an automated external defibrillator, a recycling station, a cooking oil collection center, an electric vehicle charging station, and a recycling bag rack. The council allocated 56 containers to support the program, with each stall receiving two containers, one blue for used plates, bowls, and utensils, and one red for food waste.

Retiree Mark Chew, 85, expressed his support for the initiative but emphasized the need for public awareness and personal responsibility to maintain cleanliness. He suggested that the council should gradually implement the program over several months, issuing warnings to non-compliant individuals. Chew also highlighted the importance of traders operating their stalls regularly for overall cleanliness and customer satisfaction.

Food stall operator Surina Shmsuri, 56, welcomed the initiative, stating that it should have been introduced earlier. She acknowledged that while the program would require time to gain widespread acceptance, fast-food chains like KFC and McDonald's had previously familiarized customers with returning trays and maintaining clean dining areas. Shmsuri emphasized that everyone's responsibility was crucial to ensuring cleanliness in food court environments.