PUTRAJAYA: Around 3,000 tonnes or 40 per cent of food waste generated from 38,000 tonnes of waste produced every day are actually consumable.
Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman said, during the fasting month, the amount of food waste will increase between 15 to per cent every day.
"This is a saddening situation especially to see food which is still consumable being thrown away.
"During this month, people are encouraged to practice modesty and not give in to temptation which leads to food being wasted," he said after a 'buka puasa' event with ministry staff today.
Rahman also urged hotels not to prepare excess food especially during buffet dinners where often leftover food is often wasted.
He also called for initiatives by various bodies to help gather leftover foods to be distributed to the homeless.
"We have many people especially non-governmental organisations who distribute food to the homeless in major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Johor Bharu.
"The respective bodies and people should join hands and work with these people who are committed to fed the homeless," he said.
At the event, Rahman gave out 'duit raya' and goodie bags to 27 orphans from Rumah Bakti Al-Kautsar.