COLLECTING FOOD FOR THE NEEDY
In the first three weeks of this year’s Ramadan, MySaveFood has already saved more than 54 tonnes of food, worth around US$126,000.
The programme, which now has more than 2,000 volunteers, urged bazaar-goers to plan ahead and buy only what they need.
Vendors can also reduce waste by adjusting the quantities they sell and preserving the food sustainably, it added.
Volunteer Adamsyam Daniel said he wanted to give back to the community by helping to salvage bazaar food for charity purposes.
“Right now, I feel we have two main problems in our daily lives, which are excess food and many who are in hunger,” he added.
“We want to raise awareness among all communities about these food issues.”
Some organisations are also mobilising their staff and volunteers to visit Ramadan bazaars to hand out flyers on overbuying and wasting food.
Despite the challenges, the collective efforts of various stakeholders are making a difference in tackling the food waste issue in the country, said observers.
They noted that by promoting a culture of responsible consumption and sustainable practices, Malaysia’s Ramadan bazaars can continue to be a symbol of community spirit while reducing their environmental footprint.