Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, devotion, and self-control. Muslims worldwide observe the month by fasting from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, water, and other physical needs.
In Malaysia, the holy month of Ramadan is marked by large-scale bazaars that offer a variety of food and drinks. But the fasting month is also notorious for a rise in food waste, which poses a significant challenge to the country’s waste management system.
Photo by Nora Carol Photography
The director of the Negeri Sembilan Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation (SWCorp), Siti Yusnita Mohamad Yusof, stated that it is expected that there will be a greater amount of food waste during Ramadan this year compared to the previous year. She believes that the growth can be attributed to the growing number of Ramadan bazaars that have been opened.
In comparison to the previous year, it is anticipated that there will be a 15 percent rise in the amount of food waste in bazaars during Ramadan this year. To address the issue of food waste, Siti Yusnita has urged organizers of the Ramadan bazaars to appoint a contractor to ensure that food waste at the bazaar site can be cleaned and sent to the disposal site.
Photo by TheStar
In addition, the MYSaveFood Ramadan 2023 Program is currently in its third year of operation and attempts to decrease the amount of food waste in the Ramadan bazaars. The MYSaveFood Ramadan program had secured a total of 22 locations for the distribution of the food, and it had the assistance of 161 volunteers.
During the course of the previous year, the program was able to effectively save a total of 716.5 kilograms of food and 385.3 kilograms of drinks and distribute them to the less fortunate.
On the other hand, Siti Yusnita brought up the point that the pattern of wasting food during Ramadan has not changed much over the course of the years and continues to be a problem that needs to be solved.
In conclusion, it is worth reminding everyone not to overindulge and waste food. After all, Ramadan is meant to remind one about humility, moderation, and being grateful.
