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PENANG is aiming for sustainable Thaipusam celebrations with zero waste targets this year.
In a joint statement, the Consumers’ Association of Penang, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Malaysia Hindu Sangam Penang State, have come together to fight indiscriminate littering and to promote recycling.
"We'll jointly urge all devotees, temple authorities, spectators, tourists, and charity organisations to make this year’s Thaipusam a Zero Waste celebration.
“Thaipusam is a festival of devotion, discipline, and gratitude. These values should also be reflected in how we treat food, resources, and the environment.
“We therefore call upon devotees and organisations to reduce food wastage, avoid littering, and replace single-use plastics with reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives."
This is in line with the spirit of the International Zero Waste Month observed now.
During Thaipusam, many groups provide free food and drinks through thanneer panthals and annadanam.
While this charitable effort is commendable, a significant amount of food goes to waste each year, the three organisations cited.
"We urge those serving food to reduce serving sizes, distribute only one portion per person, and replenish supplies as needed. There will be no shortage of food for devotees, and mindful distribution will help prevent unnecessary wastage."
Devotees are also reminded to accept only what they can consume.
Despite the availability of dustbins, large amounts of rubbish such as plastics, cans, bottles, food packages and leftover food are often left behind. The volume of waste is astounding, and diminishes the beauty and sanctity of the festival, besides harming the environment and affecting public health.
The statement was undersigned by MBPP president and Lord Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran, CAP senior education officer N.V. Subbarow and Penang Hindu Sangam Council Chairman A.Tharman.
Subbarow will also be holding a media briefing soon to address the shortage of coconuts where he stressed that the time has come to break just one coconut when the chariots passed through the streets of Penang.
The Penang Domestic Trade and Cost of Living division has also assured consumers that the prices of essential goods in Penang remain stable, dismissing reports of sharp price hikes ahead of Thaipusam and Chinese New Year.
Its state enforcement director S. Jegan said through the ‘Price Catcher’ initiative, the ministry monitors prices of 41 types of vegetables, including those reportedly subject to increases, across 45 public markets, 13 hypermarkets and 18 supermarkets.
“Analysis shows that most items, such as tomatoes, ginger, lady’s fingers, cauliflower, long beans, cabbage and carrots, show only minor changes and remain within a reasonable price range. In fact, the prices of certain items dropped compared to the previous month,” he said in a statement.
He was commenting on the Penang Hindu Association’s (PHA) concerns regarding the rising prices of basic food items ahead of the festive period.
PHA president Datuk P. Murugiah reportedly said that the association surveyed several retail outlets and wet markets on Jan 26, which found that prices for 15 key staples had risen between 14 and 100 per cent in the past month. - January 28, 2026.
