Approximately 3,000 tonnes of food wasted daily in Malaysia are preventable food waste, according to Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) director-general Datuk Dr Sharif Haron.
Citing the statistics from solid waste and public cleansing management service operator, SW Corporation, he said most of the food wasted were food that were untouched and still edible.
As such, he said the government had initiated the Save Food Malaysia (MYSaveFood) programme last year in a bid to reduce food loss and food waste in the country.
MySaveFood was launched based on the SaveFood Campaign, a global initiative introduced by Messe Duseeldorf Group in Berlin, Germany in 2011, with the cooperation of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, he said.
Sharif said this to reporters after the opening of the 33rd United Nations FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) Regional Conference and the launch of MYSaveFood campaign at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi here Thursday.
Sharif said FAO estimated one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year – or approximately 1.3 billion tonnes – worth RM4.4 trillion, got lost or wasted.
"The FAO views seriously the food loss and food waste occurring worldwide and had initiated the SaveFood campaign to Asia Pacific countries, including Malaysia," he said.
A total of 350 institutions and organisations had joined the SaveFood campaign since 2011.
Sharif said Mardi and the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry were the coordinator for the MYSaveFood programme in Malaysia to promote food loss and food waste reduction.
"Also to establish MYSaveFood network with the private sector, non-governmental organisations and consumer associations with the support from the ministry and local authorities," he said.
Bernama
Thu Mar 10 2016
According to the statistics, most of the food wasted were untouched and still edible. - AFP Photo/Files
AWANI Tonight: Tupperware Brands set to file for bankruptcy
Tupperware Brands is preparing to file for bankruptcy after a year-long effort to revive the business, as it faces mounting debt and a sharp decline in demand for its once iconic plastic containers.
AWANI Tonight: Should M'sia implement stricter controls for children on social media?
Dr Benjamin Loh from Taylor's University shares his insights about the necessity for setting a minimum age limit for children to use social media in Malaysia.
Banjir di Kedah semakin memburuk, bilangan mangsa cecah 1,018 orang
Situasi banjir di Kedah makin memburuk selepas bilangan mangsa mencecah 1,018 orang daripada 268 keluarga yang ditempatkan di 11 pusat pemindahan sementara (PPS) di negeri ini.
PM mahu persediaan mantap dilakukan menjelang kepengerusian ASEAN 2025
Perdana Menteri berkata Malaysia perlu menjadi peneraju hebat dengan menyusun pelbagai program yang benar-benar memberi kesan mendalam kepada komuniti ASEAN secara keseluruhannya.
PM Anwar ulangi komitmen Malaysia jayakan Agenda 2030 untuk pembangunan mampan
Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hari ini mengulangi komitmen Malaysia dalam menjayakan Agenda 2030 untuk pembangunan mampan seperti yang dimeterai bersama 192 negara lain pada 2015.
Bunuh: Dua buruh kasar terlepas hukuman mati, diganti penjara 30 tahun
Panel hakim menolak rayuan A.Rames dan Tew Siew Kem untuk mengetepikan sabitan terhadap mereka dan menggantikan hukuman mati dengan penjara.
HUMS dijangka siap Dis 2025, beroperasi pada Jan 2026 - Zambry
HUSM dibina dengan kapasiti 400 katil, 25 bilik pembedahan, 40 katil rawatan intensif atau rapi serta 145 buah klinik pakar.
Tiga wanita ditahan dalam Op Global sambung reman hingga 22 Sept
Tiga wanita yang ditahan menerusi Op Global di Nilai dan Seremban kerana disyaki terbabit dalam kes eksploitasi kanak-kanak di negeri ini, disambung reman hingga 22 Sept.
Arul Kanda tidak tahu tentang kewujudan 'pelaburan' 1MDB - Tony Pua
Mahkamah Tinggi hari ini diberitahu Arul Kanda Kandasamy tidak pasti tentang nilai 'pelaburan' 1MDB atau sama ada ia benar-benar wujud.
Seorang ahli GISB akan dituduh di Mahkamah Majistret Putrajaya esok
Individu terbabit akan didakwa di bawah Seksyen 506 Kanun Keseksaan.