By Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Alliance For A Safe Community Chairman
KOTA KINABALU: The scale of food waste in Malaysia is alarming, and it is time for us to take decisive action to tackle this problem.
I call upon the government, businesses, and citizens to work together to reduce food waste and introduce legislation that will ensure a sustainable future for our nation.
Malaysia is a country blessed with abundant resources, yet we are also one of the largest contributors to food waste in the region.
According to recent studies, Malaysians waste approximately 16,688 tonnes of food daily, enough to feed millions of people. This includes edible food discarded by households, restaurants, supermarkets, and food manufacturers.
Shockingly, nearly 60% of this waste is avoidable, meaning it consists of food that could have been consumed if managed properly.
Food waste is not just a moral issue; it is an environmental and economic crisis. When food is wasted, all the resources used to produce it—water, energy, land, and labor—are also wasted. Moreover, food waste that ends up in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
In a world where millions still go hungry, this level of waste is unacceptable.
Why We Need Legislation to Reduce Food Waste
Environmental Impact
Food waste is a major contributor to environmental degradation.
The production, transportation, and disposal of wasted food generate significant carbon emissions.
By reducing food waste, we can lower our carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change. Legislation can enforce sustainable practices across the food supply chain, from production to consumption.
Economic Losses
Food waste represents a significant economic loss for Malaysia. The cost of wasted food runs into billions of ringgit annually, affecting businesses, consumers, and the economy as a whole.
Legislation can incentivize businesses to adopt measures that minimize waste, such as better inventory management and donation of surplus food to those in need.
Social Responsibility
While food is being wasted, many Malaysians struggle with food insecurity. According to reports, a significant portion of our population faces challenges in accessing nutritious meals.
Legislation can encourage the redistribution of surplus food to charities and food banks, ensuring that no one goes hungry while edible food is being discarded.
Global Commitments
Malaysia has committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include a target to halve food waste by 2030. Without legislation, we risk falling short of this goal.
A legal framework will provide the necessary structure and accountability to achieve this target.
Changing Consumer Behavior
Legislation can also play a role in raising awareness and changing consumer behavior. By implementing policies such as mandatory food waste reporting for businesses, public education campaigns, and incentives for reducing waste, we can foster a culture of sustainability and responsibility.
Call to Action
To address this urgent issue, I propose the following actions:
Introduce a Food Waste Reduction Act
This legislation should set clear targets for reducing food waste, mandate reporting for businesses, and provide guidelines for food donation and recycling.
It should also include penalties for excessive waste and incentives for businesses and individuals who adopt sustainable practices.
Promote Public Awareness Campaigns
Educate the public about the impact of food waste and how they can contribute to reducing it. Simple actions, such as meal planning, proper storage, and composting, can make a significant difference.
Encourage Collaboration Between Stakeholders
The government, businesses, NGOs, and citizens must work together to tackle food waste. Partnerships between supermarkets, restaurants, and food banks can ensure that surplus food reaches those in need.
Invest in Food Waste Management Infrastructure
Develop facilities for composting, anaerobic digestion, and other methods of recycling food waste. This will reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and create valuable resources such as fertilizer and energy.
Support Research and Innovation
Invest in research to develop new technologies and solutions for reducing food waste. This includes innovations in food preservation, packaging, and supply chain management.
Conclusion
Food waste is a problem that we can no longer ignore. It is a threat to our environment, our economy, and our society. By introducing legislation to reduce food waste, we can take a significant step toward building a more sustainable and equitable Malaysia.
Let us act now to ensure that future generations inherit a nation where resources are valued, and no one goes hungry.
Together, we can make a difference. Let us commit to reducing food waste and creating a brighter future for all Malaysians.
