The Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) has set a big target this year to save up to 100,000 kilograms of surplus food at Ramadan bazaars nationwide through a food waste reduction campaign.
SWCorp Chief Executive Officer, Khalid Mohamed, said this target is higher than last year, where more than 70,000kg of surplus food was successfully saved and a significant increase compared to previous years.
Based on last year's record, more than 70,000kg of surplus food was successfully saved from being thrown in landfills.
Community and business awareness is now increasing and the target for this year is between 80,000 to 100,000kg.
He said this when launching the Value Food, Avoid Waste Campaign in conjunction with Ramadan 2026 at the Arau Ramadan bazaar, Perlis.
The campaign involves close collaboration between the Perlis State Government, Kangar Municipal Council (MPK), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), and the waste management concessionaire, E-Idaman Sdn Bhd.
Unsold or unused surplus food will be collected and distributed to the needy through collaboration with various NGOs and strategic partners.
Khalid urged more parties to participate in this initiative, as the food saved is still good to eat and can be used by those in need.
In addition, SWCorp is also intensifying monitoring and enforcement of the level of cleanliness at the Ramadan bazaar, ensuring that the environment is always comfortable and clean.
According to Khalid, visitors and traders have given good cooperation to this initiative, thus helping to reduce food waste and improve the level of cleanliness throughout Ramadan.
With this integrated effort, SWCorp hopes that more people can appreciate food and cultivate a culture of 'love food, avoid waste' throughout the month of Ramadan.
