Penang introduces self-service cutlery return initiative at food court

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has launched a self-service cutlery return initiative at the Tanjung Bungah market food court, marking the first of its kind at an MBPP-owned food complex. The goal is to enhance cleanliness, encourage civic responsibility, and better manage food waste. With 56 food stalls and a seating capacity of 50, the initiative aims to improve operational efficiency, hygiene, and Penang's food court image as a tourism draw.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, along with George Town Lord Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran, led the initiative, stating that diners returning utensils will allow for quicker table cleaning and availability for other customers. Zairil expressed hope for expanding the scheme to other food complexes across Penang, should it prove successful.

The council plans to evaluate the initiative's effectiveness within 30 days before potential expansion. All 56 stalls participating in the initiative have already commenced, with cooperation from stall operators and customers crucial to its success. A poster detailing the initiative and a food-waste segregation and recycling component were introduced at the food complex, with stall operators required to collect food waste daily and place it in designated composting bins.