Featured Article English – Page 42 – Consumers Association Penang

Coconut Leaf Baskets Instead of Plastic Bags

Soon Lian July 21, 2025 0 Comments

Do you know: Coconut palm fronds can be utilised to make grocery baskets – a natural and sustainable alternative to plastic bags. These natural baskets, often woven by hand, are suitable for markets, farms, or even as decorative containers for fruits and vegetables at home. The open weave of the baskets allows for air circulation, which can help keep produce fresh longer by preventing moisture...

HOW PARIS TRANSFORMS HEAT TRAPS INTO GREEN OASES

Lai Cheng July 21, 2025 0 Comments

Greening is the smartest way to cool a city – and Paris is showing how it’s done. As temperatures rise and heatwaves become the norm, cities must act. Paris has embraced an ambitious urban greening strategy: planting trees, creating parks, turning grey streets into shady, vibrant public spaces. Why greening works: Lowers surface and air temperatures Increases shade and comfort Reduces runoff...

Memorandum Calling for Malaysian Leadership and Ambition at the Plastic Treaty Negotiation (INC5.2)

Lai Cheng July 18, 2025 0 Comments

Our Earth is choking with plastic and chemicals. The overproduction and overconsumption of plastic are threatening life on Earth - our biodiversity, our food security, our health, our climate. Plastic pollution is threatening everything that we love and making us sick. But we still can do something about it! Countries globally are negotiating a groundbreaking international agreement — the...

Malaysian Food Sovereignty Forum (FKMM) Strongly Urges Comprehensive Consultation Before Tabling Amendments to the PNVP Act 2004 and the Plant Seed Quality Bill

Lai Cheng July 18, 2025 0 Comments

The Malaysian Food Sovereignty Forum (FKMM), a network of 250 individuals comprising academics, professionals, NGO representatives and representatives of farmers’ groups, has expressed deep concern over the lack of proper consultation processes regarding the proposed amendments to the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act 2004 (PNPV Act 2004) and the Plant Seed Quality Bill (RUU). Although the...

CAP Calls for Vacancy Tax and Tighter Controls to Curb Property Speculation

Lai Cheng July 17, 2025 0 Comments

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) strongly supports the introduction of a vacancy tax on residential properties that are left unoccupied for extended periods. We believe this measure is urgently needed to address the deepening problems of property speculation and declining housing affordability in Malaysia. A vacancy tax typically applies to properties that remain vacant — unsold or...

A Natural Way to Clean Tile Floors

Soon Lian July 16, 2025 0 Comments

Want floor tiles that are clean, fresh, and slightly glossy? Here’s an old-school mop water solution, using simple ingredients, you can make to use for cleaning. What you will need, and how to prepare: Add lemon peels to hot water – this infuses fresh scent and provides gentle acidity. Stir in a spoon of baking soda – it neutralises odours and boosts cleaning action. Pour a dash of vinegar...

WOODLICE – Valuable Garden Allies

Soon Lian July 15, 2025 0 Comments

Many gardeners often encounter various insects in their gardens and might be particularly curious about one common critter found under bricks or damp objects: the Oniscidae. If you've ever spotted these creatures and felt uneasy, understanding their ecological role might change your perspective. Oniscidae, more commonly known as pill bugs or woodlice, are not just any garden insect. They play a...

CAP URGES IMMEDIATE ACTION ON SOIL EROSION IN TELUK NIPAH

Lai Cheng July 15, 2025 0 Comments

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) urges the Kedah State Government, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), and the local authority to take immediate action to address the issue of soil erosion in Kampung Teluk Nipah, Kuala Muda district. CAP regrets that although the incident caused by hill clearing and land reclamation activities in the village has been ongoing for the past...

WOOD OR PLASTIC: Which Cutting Board is Safer?

Soon Lian July 14, 2025 0 Comments

Most people assume plastic cutting boards are more hygienic than wood. But research tells a very different story. Microbiologists, including those at the University of Wisconsin, found that 99% of bacteria on a wooden cutting board die within just 3 minutes while bacteria on plastic not only survive but often multiply. The truth is, wood is not just safe. It is naturally antibacterial. Hardwoods...

THE SILENT GUARDIANS OF OUR WORLD

Lai Cheng July 14, 2025 0 Comments

Trees play an irreplaceable role in the balance and beauty of our world. They are far more than just part of the landscape, they are life-givers, guardians of the environment, and silent witnesses to the passage of time. Trees purify the air we breathe, absorb carbon dioxide, and release the oxygen that sustains us. Their roots hold the earth together, preventing erosion and nourishing the soil....

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