31/01/2025 (The Star)- EFFORTS to divert used cooking oil from drains, such as incentivising hawkers to sell it to recycling companies, have proven environmentally beneficial.

This ‘win-win’ approach has encouraged active participation among hawkers in Penang, according to a check by a StarMetro team at several food courts under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).

Previously, hawkers often stored used oil before selling it to recyclers.

However, Penang now has a standardised group collection system, streamlining the process.

Recycling companies then utilise the collected oil primarily for producing biodiesel and other eco-friendly products.

Hawker Sharon Lim, who sells yau char kwai (Chinese crullers), uses a substantial amount of cooking oil, approximately 200kg per month.

“I can recycle between 5kg and 10kg of used oil each month, depending on how much I use,” she said.

Lim earns about RM3 per kg from recycling companies.

She acknowledged that the programme was a valuable initiative by MBPP, benefitting all parties involved.

Lee Lin Cheah, an economy rice seller, also at the Batu Lanchang food court, uses approximately 30kg of cooking oil monthly.

“I use different oils for frying fish, chicken and other dishes, ” said Lee who has been selling her used cooking oil for the past five years.

However, she said the individual grease trap in her stall required manual cleaning.

She hoped the local authorities could assist in installing a more efficient trap to effectively capture foamy grease.

Lee added that a centralised system for collecting and treating waste would improve hygiene and cleanliness.

Batu Lanchang Food Court Association chairman Goh Chuan Huat said all the 88 hawkers there were responsible for maintaining their own grease traps and that they were prohibited from pouring used cooking oil into the drain.

“We consistently advise and remind them of this,” he said.

Goh highlighted the importance of every hawker adhering to these guidelines for the well-being of the entire community.

An inspection at Lebuh Cecil Food Court revealed that about 10 main grease traps were in a state of disrepair, filled with food waste and a layer of greasy oil.

Lebuh Cecil Hawkers Association chairman Ooi Thean Huat said the main grease traps required more frequent maintenance by MBPP, ideally after operating hours.

“Given the daily operations of the hawkers, daily servicing by the council would be more appropriate,” he said, adding that there were 180 hawkers at the food court.

In response to the concerns, Penang Island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran confirmed that instructions have been issued to the company responsible for servicing grease traps at Lebuh Cecil Food Court.

“The city council will address this grease trap maintenance issue immediately,” Rajendran added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2025/01/31/hawkers-reap-rewards-from-used-cooking-oil