February 2020 – Consumers Association Penang

Eateries that offer additional ‘ingredients’ ought to close

admin February 28, 2020 0 Comments

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) would like to compliment the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for wanting to strengthen enforcement exercise in the state as reported recently in the media. Currently the MBPP’s is limited in the issuance of compound to dirty food outlets. As of now, only the Health Department has the power to close down illegal and dirty premises under Section 38...

Covid-19 Outbreak: Need for permanent solution on wildlife sale and trade

admin February 21, 2020 0 Comments

Whilst Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) welcomes the recent temporary ban by China on the hunting, sale, transportation and export of all wild animals in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, a more lasting solution is needed to prevent another repeat of such outbreaks, not only in China but in all countries. This requires a permanent ban on the trade, sale and consumption of wildlife and stricter...

It is time to wield the cane if the carrot doesn’t work

admin February 18, 2020 0 Comments

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) is horrified at the collapse on 14 February 2020 at the condominium The Address under construction at Taman Desa . This latest happening follows the collapse of a crane from the site into the neighbouring property on 23 January 2018. The Protect Taman Desa Coalition has from the very start warned that “the site, the nature of the project and the...

Burning plastic in Tanjong Bungah

admin February 13, 2020 0 Comments

In response to the query raised by the Exco for Environment Phee Boon Poh and Tanjung Bungah assemblyperson Zahril Khir Johari, CAP wishes to state that the complaint of the burning smell in the Tanjung Bungah area was raised by a Malaysia My Second Home resident of that area. His complaint, was that he smelled burning plastic at around 4 a.m., two or three times a week, each lasting between one...

Stop the pussyfooting around plastic recycling pollution issue!

admin February 12, 2020 0 Comments

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) is aghast to have read a recent report of open burning of plastics in Relau, Penang. In fact we have also been informed of another case in Tanjong Bungah where plastics were burned in the early hours (about 4am). We call on the government to completely weed out plastic recycling facilities that do not comply to the stringent guidelines available. The...

Coastal reclamation, costly fantasy and reality check

admin February 12, 2020 0 Comments

By Khoo Salma Nasution* The Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) kicked off in 2013 with a RM6.3 billion agreement signed between the Penang State Government and Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd to undertake the building of three highways and a tunnel. A land swap of 3.7 acres was made in payment for the feasibility studies and detailed designs of the highways. The Zenith deal has been plagued by MACC...

Decriminalisation of suicide bids welcomed

admin February 11, 2020 0 Comments

Section 309 of the Penal Code states that “Whoever attempts to commit suicide, and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both.” Suicide bids are often associated with a person’s mental state of health. Such treatment of people who attempted suicide lacks empathy and is archaic. As...

Accountability for the deaths of Sabah’s elephants

admin February 6, 2020 0 Comments

Sabah has had a challenging year with constant media attention on wildlife issues and numerous deaths of pygmy elephants. In 2019, 24 deaths were recorded with five occurring in the space of four months. These deaths are seldom attributed to natural causes. Illegal hunting, poaching, poisoning and snaring are common causes of these deaths. Although accidents do occur, most deaths appear to have...

Plastic waste problems without a solution are still haunting the country

admin February 6, 2020 0 Comments

Despite Malaysia having sent a total of 3,737 metric tonnes of unwanted waste back to 13 countries as of January 2020, it is still saddled with tonnes of illegally disposed plastic waste across the country. The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) is concerned over such indiscriminate dumping of plastic wastes which poses environmental pollution and also a threat to public health. Between...

Lynas Waste Site – Need For Transparency And Public Consultation Before Any Approvals Given

admin February 4, 2020 0 Comments

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) calls on the Federal government and its relevant agencies to ensure that there is complete transparency and public feedback and consultations before approving any permanent disposal facility (PDF) of Lynas Corporation for its water leach purification residue (WLP) which contains radioactive wastes. SAM was alarmed to learn of Lynas’ recent announcement that the...

Consumers Association Penang

Month: February 2020