Malaysia wastes 17,000 tonnes of food daily, with 60% avoidable, prompting calls for a Food Waste Reduction Act to enforce targets and sustainable practices.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia requires urgent and decisive action to address its escalating food waste crisis, including the introduction of a dedicated Food Waste Reduction Act.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the country is one of the largest regional contributors to food waste. Recent studies indicate Malaysians waste approximately 16,688 tonnes of food daily, enough to feed millions.
This waste includes edible food discarded by households, restaurants, supermarkets and food manufacturers. Nearly 60% of this waste is avoidable, consisting of food that could have been consumed if managed properly.
Lee stressed that food waste is a serious environmental and economic crisis, not merely a moral concern. Wasted food also means wasted resources like water, energy, land and labour.
He called for legislation to set clear reduction targets and mandate reporting for businesses. The act should provide guidelines for food donation and recycling, alongside penalties for excessive waste and incentives for sustainable practices.
Such legislation could address the environmental impact by enforcing sustainable practices across the entire food supply chain. “Legislation can incentivise businesses to adopt measures that minimise waste, such as better inventory management and donation of surplus food to those in need,” he said.
On the social front, laws could encourage redistributing surplus food to charities and food banks. This would ensure access to nutritious meals for many Malaysians struggling with food insecurity.
Malaysia’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including halving food waste by 2030, underscores the need for a legal framework. Legislation could also help change consumer behaviour through mandatory reporting and public education campaigns.
“Food waste is a problem that we can no longer ignore. It is a threat to our environment, our economy and our society,” Lee said. He added that legislative action would be a significant step towards building a more sustainable and equitable Malaysia.
