PETALING JAYA: Some 53 tonnes of garbage are produced on average daily from 92 Ramadan bazaars in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.Of this, 90% comprised food but most was inedible, said Ummi Khalthum Shuib (pic), Federal Territory director of Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp).
According to actual waste data, only about 24% of food waste dumped by Malaysians could still be consumed, she said.
Food waste should be avoided as it can lead to wider economic losses and has a negative impact on the environment and people’s health.
“Our food is mostly wet in nature, so when it becomes waste, it will produce leachate, which is smelly and will affect the environment and people’s health if not treated properly,” Ummi Kalthum said when contacted by The Star.
She advised the public to be mindful of their consumption and reminded traders to dispose of their waste properly.
“As for waste such as cordial and fruit juices, the balance should not be dumped into our drainage systems.
“These beverages may contain some of the fruit itself, and thus might contaminate the public drainage system and lead to blockages, making it difficult for flash floods to recede,” she added.
To help reduce food waste, SWCorp has embarked on several initiatives including collaborating with non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Pemuda Gema Malaysia for the MySaveFood programme.
Under the initiative, surplus food will be given to those in need, such as welfare homes, students and the B40 community.
“It helps the vendor to sedekah (give to charity) and reduce the burden of recipients,” she said.
Ummi Kalthum added that SWCorp had also been continuously working to increase public awareness on the country’s food waste issue by running campaigns such as “Value Food No Waste” and “Say No to Single Use Plastic” at Ramadan bazaars.
It collaborated with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department for a Friday prayer sermon last month on avoiding waste during Ramadan.
It had also taken its call to reduce food waste from ending up in landfills to radio, television, social media as well as mainstream media, said Ummi Kalthum.
She called upon the public to follow the SWCorp Federal Territories social media accounts for updates and to share feedback, while complaints could be channelled to the 1800-887 472 hotline.
Ummi Kalthum said Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya residents could also message her directly at 019-446 0300.
