153,441.26 metric tons of plastic waste imported through NBCT

GEORGE TOWN: As much as 153,441.26 metric tons of plastic waste involving 22 factories were found to be imported through Penang Port at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) from Aug 1, 2019 till Aug 31, 2020.

Penang State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee Chairman Phee Boon Poh said from that total, 13 factories are located in Penang and the remaining nine are outside Penang.

"Total plastic waste for factories in Penang alone is 95,136.93 metric tons between Aug 1, 2019 and Aug 31, 2020. The remaining 58,304.33 metric tonnes are for factories outside Penang,” he said in reply to H'ng Mooi Lye’s (PH-Jawi) oral question at the Penang state legislative assembly meeting today.

H'ng had asked about plastic waste destined for recycling from foreign countries, specifically the total amount imported through the NBCT during that period as well as the total involving factories in Penang.

Phee said the department authorised to issue HS Code 39.15 solid plastic waste import permits (AP) is the National Solid Waste Management Department under the purview of the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

-- BERNAMA