Main Place the First Mall to Embrace “Say No to Straw” Campaign

MAIN PLACE Mall became the first shopping mall to embrace the Selangor Government’s “Say No to Straw” campaign, spearheading efforts to reduce the use of straws in food and beverage outlets in the mall.

The No Straw Policy was implemented by the State Government on July 1. Selangor Exco for environment, green technology and consumer affairs Hee Loy Sian congratulated the mall for taking the step to adopt the campaign.

Hee was speaking to reporters after launching the mall’s “Lepak in Green” programme which was also attended by ADUN Subang Jaya Michelle Ng, MPSJ deputy president Mohd Zulkurnain Che Ali and Main Place Mall management director Woo May Foong last month.

Hee said 76% of Selangor residents supported the ‘no plastic bag’ campaign based on the latest survey carried out by Merdeka Centre.

“There is still a lack of awareness on the ‘no plastic straw’ policy and we are taking initiatives to raise this by distributing posters.”

“We believe the public will get used to this policy by 2025,” he said, adding that this was the government’s 6-year plan towards a zero-straw policy in Selangor by then.

As a step to introduce shoppers with the experience of going green, Main Place Mall had prepared an exclusive line-up of engrossing activities which included its Green Market, workshops, CSR activities and Speak Up competition. During the duration of the programme, shoppers were encouraged to bring their used plastic bags to exchange for a Main Place Eco-Friendly bag.

Workshops such as herbal natural soap making, terrarium making, building a mini solar car and DIY herbs planting pot were organised for children under 12. One of the main highlights of the Lepak in Green event was the Speak Up Competition which encouraged contestants to voice out their thoughts and ideas about the environment. Prizes worth up to RM1,200 were up for grabs.