IPOH, Jan. 17 -- Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye today welcomed Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) chairman Husam Musa's suggestion to replace plastic straws with those made from lemongrass at public hospitals.

Dr Lee said that the ministry encouraged the idea but would not make this compulsory.

"We will consider the suggestion, but the decision will be made by the cafe and canteen operators in the hospital

"They have to see the function of the (lemongrass) straw and also the cost," he told a press conference after visiting the Bijih Timah Health Clinic here.

Dr Lee also said there were still many sustainable alternatives to plastic straws.

"I have seen straws which were made out of corn, paper and few others ma...