Penang is intensifying efforts to shift public behavior and consumption patterns to reduce waste and advance towards a circular economy, according to Josephine Tan, chief executive officer of the Penang Green Council (PGC). She emphasized that environmental initiatives should begin with reducing consumption, followed by reusing items, and recycling as a last step.

Tan acknowledged that while many people understand the importance of environmental protection, there remains a gap between awareness and action. “People might know they should bring reusable bags, reduce single-use items, and separate their waste, but they often revert to old habits when it is inconvenient,” she said.

Established by the Penang government in 2011, PGC has concentrated on environmental education and promoting sustainable practices among the public. The council has been actively working to limit the use of single-use plastic, implementing measures such as the “No Free Plastic Bag” campaign, the introduction of plastic bag charges, and the “No Plastic Bag Every Day” initiative launched in September 2025.

This year, PGC is intensifying its efforts to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bags and items like straws. Tan explained that the objective is not merely to ban these products but to gradually transform consumer and business habits.

To support this behavioral change, PGC has introduced the “Pilihlah Reusable” concept, which encourages consumers to opt for reusable products in shopping, dining, and everyday activities. As part of this initiative, Rebag Stations have been established at locations including Gama Supermarket and Departmental Store, Gurney Plaza, and Design Village. These stations allow people to donate surplus reusable bags for others to use.

Tan stressed the importance of rethinking waste, urging the public to consider whether items might be reused or sent to others instead of being discarded. “An item that you no longer need does not necessarily mean it has become waste,” she said.

She highlighted that fostering public participation in environmental efforts requires more than compliance; it demands providing convenient alternatives, clear information, and a supportive environment. This approach involves collaboration with local authorities, businesses, schools, communities, and various stakeholders to make environmentally friendly options more accessible.

Tan also encouraged the community to donate, sell, exchange, or deliver unwanted but usable items to organizations and shops that accept secondhand goods rather than treating them as rubbish. For recyclable materials, she advised sending them to authorized recycling facilities.

The PGC’s Mampan directory is available online to help residents locate nearby recycling centers, environmental facilities, and secondhand shops. Tan noted that Penang already has a solid environmental foundation, with increasing public willingness to engage.

“The next challenge is to turn environmental protection from a one-off activity into a daily habit and part of our social culture,” she said.

According to Tan, while legislation and policy can discourage environmentally harmful behavior, lasting change depends on public understanding of its importance and access to practical alternatives. She concluded that the circular economy ultimately involves changing perceptions about the value of items as well as how people consume and dispose of them.