KUALA LUMPUR: During Ramadan, Muslims nationwide savour their favorite delicacies, whether or not at bustling bazaars or lavish buffet spreads.
However, it’s no shock that food waste is usually a byproduct.
According to the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation, over 22,732.61 tonnes of food waste was disposed of in Kuala Lumpur throughout Ramadan in 2023 – a quantity that’s anticipated to improve annually.
As such, organisations like Gema Malaysia Youth Organisation and Kechara Soup Kitchen have stepped up, not solely to remedy the issue of Ramadan food waste, but in addition to prolong a serving to hand to the much less lucky.
Gema’s MySaveFood Programme
Vikneshvaran Tanabalam, who’s answerable for Gema’s MySaveFood initiative in Kuala Lumpur, stated it entails 55 Ramadan bazaars nationwide.
A complete of 25 volunteers on the Tasik Sri Rampai Ramadan bazaar, most of whom are Malays, shortly break their quick at round 7.30pm earlier than springing into motion, amassing extra food from distributors as they shut store.
“After assortment, we convey the food again to the gathering level at Abu Ubaidah Al Jarrah Mosque the place we weigh, organise, and label the food accordingly,” Vikneshvaran informed eNM.
This food is then left at designated counters on the mosque, prepared to be taken by those that are much less lucky.
Vikneshvaran expressed concern over the rise in food waste. He stated there was a mean improve from 300kg to 450kg day by day in bazaars such because the one in Kampung Baru, which he attributed to the rise within the variety of distributors.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Adam Ismail Abd Hafi, head of volunteers for the Tasik Sri Rampai Ramadan bazaar, instructed that distributors make extra correct calculations throughout food preparation so as to cut back extra food.
“If they discover themselves with leftovers on the primary day of gross sales, maybe they might regulate the portions they promote within the following days,” he stated.
Fadillah Husnidar Pohan, 36, a beneficiary of the initiative, expressed her appreciation for the range and high quality of the meals supplied.
“I actually benefit from the food obtainable right here as a result of there’s such a variety of dishes, drinks, and kuih. It considerably eases our monetary burden as nicely,” she stated.
Sharil Maon, an everyday customer on the mosque, believes that the initiative is important for these dealing with monetary hardship.
“Many of us can really feel that the economic system is unhealthy and costs of food gadgets have elevated too. Through this initiative, those that are much less lucky can savour dishes they’d in any other case be unable to afford,” he stated.
Kechara Soup Kitchen
On the resort entrance, Kechara Soup Kitchen has gathered over a tonne of food inside the first two weeks of this yr’s Ramadan season.
Kechara Soup Kitchen operations director Justin Cheah stated volunteers gather extra food from 24 motels throughout Kuala Lumpur every single day throughout Ramadan, which is then delivered to distribution centres.
These distribution centres vary from homeless shelters to orphanages, with Kechara’s charity companions allocating the food to individuals underneath their care.
Cheah stated a method Malaysians might assist was by linking Kechara with food producers which may have extra inventory to donate.
“You will help, not simply within the month of Ramadan. Any assistance is most welcome at any time of the yr, be it via donations or volunteer work,” he stated.
