Calls grow for a Food Waste Reduction Act as daily waste reaches alarming levels
Food waste in Malaysia has reached a critical point, prompting renewed calls for firm legislation to curb losses that threaten the environment, economy, and social wellbeing.
A Growing National Problem
Malaysia is facing an escalating food waste crisis, with studies showing that approximately 16,688 tonnes of food are wasted every day. This volume is sufficient to feed millions, yet much of it ends up discarded by households, restaurants, supermarkets, and food manufacturers. The scale of waste places Malaysia among the region’s largest contributors to food waste.
Majority Of Waste Is Avoidable
According to Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, nearly 60 percent of food wasted daily is avoidable. This means edible food is thrown away due to poor management, over-purchasing, and lack of awareness across the supply chain. The issue reflects systemic inefficiencies rather than unavoidable losses.
Environmental And Economic Costs
Lee emphasized that food waste is not merely a moral issue but a serious environmental and economic crisis. When food is wasted, vital resources such as water, energy, land, and labor are also lost. These losses contribute to higher carbon emissions, landfill pressure, and unnecessary strain on national resources.
Call For A Food Waste Reduction Act
To address the issue, Lee urged the government to introduce a dedicated Food Waste Reduction Act. The proposed legislation would set clear reduction targets, mandate food waste reporting for businesses, and establish guidelines for food donation and recycling. Penalties for excessive waste and incentives for sustainable practices are also expected to form part of the framework.
Strengthening The Food Supply Chain
Legislation could enforce sustainable practices from production to consumption. Businesses would be encouraged to improve inventory management and donate surplus food to those in need. Such measures could significantly reduce waste while improving efficiency across the food industry.
Addressing Food Insecurity And Behavior Change
On the social front, the act could promote redistribution of surplus food to charities and food banks, ensuring access to nutritious meals for Malaysians facing food insecurity. Mandatory reporting, public education campaigns, and incentives could also help shift consumer behavior toward more responsible consumption.
Malaysia’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including halving food waste by 2030, highlights the urgency of legal action. A Food Waste Reduction Act could provide accountability, drive behavioral change, and align Malaysia with regional sustainability efforts, offering valuable lessons for neighboring countries, including Singapore, facing similar challenges.
Sources: The Sun (2025) , NST MY (2025)
Keywords: Food Waste Malaysia, Food Waste Reduction Act, Sustainable Consumption, Food Security, Environmental Impact
