Experts say public awareness campaigns are needed before laws to address Malaysia’s 17,000 tonnes of daily food waste, calling for a circular food economy.
KUALA LUMPUR: Experts have urged the government to prioritise public awareness over strict laws in addressing Malaysia’s growing food waste problem.
Prof Emeritus Datok Dr Ibrahim Komoo said legal measures should only follow sufficient public awareness of the issue.
He suggested a comprehensive awareness campaign with non-governmental organisations alongside regulations for food traders and suppliers.
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Ibrahim recommended developing innovations under a ‘food circularity’ concept covering the entire food chain.
Such initiatives could help redistribute surplus food to the needy and support the composting industry.
He echoed concerns by Safe Communities Network chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye about the increasing severity of food waste.
“Many countries already have laws or practices to reduce food waste,” Ibrahim told Bernama.
“We can learn from their experience and observe local behaviour before introducing further measures.”
Environmental activist Dr Mogesh Sababathy said food waste should be seen as a food system governance crisis.
He said any proposed legislation should focus on mandatory food waste reporting and defined responsibilities.
“It should include legal protection for safe food donations under a ‘Good Samaritan’ clause,” he added.
Mogesh said enforcement alone would not suffice without effective implementation mechanisms.
He recommended mandatory food waste separation and incentives for businesses donating surplus food for the short term.
Long-term measures could include adopting a circular food economy and converting waste into biogas.
He also proposed establishing a national food waste database to support data-driven policymaking.
Lee recently said Malaysia must act urgently to tackle the escalating food waste crisis.
He noted Malaysians discard about 16,688 tonnes of food daily. – Bernama
