Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (JAKIM) and environment management companies have called on local people to avoid food wastage during the month of Ramadan.

Public awareness on food wastage in the month of Ramadan should be given high attention due to the daily increase in solid waste collection recorded almost every year during the fasting month, they said.

JAKIM said that it would work with relevant agencies to improve public awareness about food wastage during Ramadan.

The Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association urged the citizens to practise meal planning during Ramadan to help curb the growing problem of food wastage in the country.

Its president Datuk Nadzim Johan said people in the country need to realise the real purpose of fasting and plan their meal on the holy month accordingly to avoid food wastage culture.

Last year, Alam Flora, a leading environment company in Malaysia, recorded daily increases in total solid waste collection from 150 tonnes to 200 tonnes per day throughout the month of Ramadan.

The amount includes the collection throughout the concession areas under the service of Alam Flora which is in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Pahang.

Alam Flora’s CEO Datuk Mohd Zain Hassan advised the people to save up some money when they purchase food and do not over-buy them. Meanwhile, Ramadan bazaar traders should not to waste and donate unsold food to welfare homes or those in need, he added.

This year, the month of Ramadan in Malaysia will begin on May 17.-VNA
VNA