Ipoh mayor urges residents to recycle cooking oil to protect environment

IPOH - The Ipoh City Council (MBI) suggests that the public cultivate the practice of recycling used cooking oil in an effort to protect the environment and eco-system in addition to generating income.

Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said residents can adopt the practice by installing oil traps in their homes.

He said for this purpose, an information session was also held for the public to understand the matter.

"Education that can give understanding to the public needs to be done first so that they understand the importance of this matter," he said at a press conference after officiating the MBI-level Used Cooking Oil Recycling Campaign at Dataran Dato' Sagor, here today.

He said since 2010, enforcement action, especially involving the installation of oil traps, has been implemented against restaurant premises and eateries around the city.

Rumaizi said it was implemented to provide awareness to traders regarding the importance of using the facility in overcoming the problem of pollution of the drainage system.

"Prior to this, there were irresponsible premises operators who threw oil into the drain, causing it to become clogged and causing flash floods to occur," he said.

Regarding the programme, he said it was implemented in collaboration with Biovisma Sdn Bhd and Tuck Soon Eco Resources Sdn Bhd besides aiming to increase the source of income for food premises operators through the sale of used cooking oil.

"This programme has been implemented since March and the response is very encouraging. Not only does it generate a side income, but awareness related to recycling activities can be increased," he added. - BERNAMA