Tuaran: A total of eight vendor groups took part in the recent Tuaran Market Sustainable Vendor Competition at the Community Market, marking a significant step in promoting environmentally responsible business practices among local traders.
The event was organised by Zero Waste Sabah in collaboration with the Tuaran Market Sustainable Vendors Association, with support from Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance Malaysia.
The competition forms part of the Plastic Reduction Project, an initiative launched in 2023 aimed at tackling excessive plastic usage in local markets. To date, 210 vendors have undergone training in sustainable waste management and responsible consumption practices.
The project initially focused on markets after Ruth Yap, founder of Zero Waste Sabah, observed the high dependence on plastic bags among traders. Surveys conducted revealed that vendors could spend up to RM300 weekly on plastic purchases.
Further findings from a waste management project in K. Gerinsing earlier this year showed plastic waste frequently littering roadsides and clogging drains, with some being burned or discarded in mangrove areas.
Such practices not only contribute to environmental pollution but also result in inefficient spending, requiring significant government resources and energy for clean-up.
Ruth hoped the competition would encourage broader discussions on the need for education and policies that empower communities to address waste issues at the source.
Participants were assessed based on several criteria, including the use of eco-friendly packaging, creativity in plastic-free displays and sales, reuse and recycling practices, customer awareness and education, as well as shop cleanliness and organisation. Three groups emerged as winners and received cash prizes.
Yayasan Hasanah Senior Manager of Environment Aaina Karina, who also served as a judge, noted that the initiative’s success was driven by strong support from local leadership and government agencies.
“Close collaboration between authorities and communities is key to addressing sustainability challenges effectively,” she emphasised.
Meanwhile, Tuaran Market Sustainable Vendors Association Chairperson Irene Sompun, who has been involved in the project since 2023, said vendors initially faced challenges in reducing their reliance on plastic in daily operations.
However, she noted that continuous exposure and training have led to greater awareness, with more vendors now adopting sustainable alternatives.
Ruth added that the initiative highlights how policies and programmes promoting plastic reduction can unlock creativity and showcase local knowledge, particularly through handicrafts and the use of natural materials as substitutes for plastic.
Although modest in scale, she said the event represents a meaningful beginning. Organisers hope similar programmes will be held more frequently to raise public awareness on environmental conservation and encourage responsible consumer behaviour, such as bringing reusable bags when shopping.
The event was officiated by Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, who has been a strong supporter of grassroots environmental initiatives.
Also present were Yunus Idris, representing the Executive Officer of the Tuaran District Council, Murneh Lamsari, Aradin Ading and Masneh Abd Ghani.
