Bangka Belitung bans single-use plastic from Oct 13

Bangka Belitung Province's Disasters Mitigation Office (BPBD) will partially ban the single-use plastic at five locations, the chairman Mikron Antariksa said here Tuesday.


These locations are Depati Amir Airport, State Junior High School 5, State Junior High School 8, and two churches in Pangkalpinang City,

The move will be officially announced during a disaster mitigation event on October 13, 2019 in Pangkalpinang City, Antariksa stated.

"This ban is in accordance to the governor's regulation on reducing plastic waste," he noted, while adding that plastic waste that severely polluted the ocean is no longer seen as a national issue, but is already of global concern.

The ban will serve an initial move on totally bar the single-use plastic in the islands, the province's disaster mitigation chief also stated.

If the ban becomes effective on October, Bangka Belitung would follow Bali provincial government's move on fighting against single-use plastic.

The Bali Governor Wayan Koster officially banned businesses from providing plastic straws, Styrofoam-based food containers, and single-use plastic for customers since July this year.

If the companies, distributors, suppliers, producers, retailers, and wholesalers fail to comply with the move, Koster said that the provincial government will not extend their business permits on the island.
Related news: Shopping center operator supports plastic bag reduction movement

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