FOOD WASTE

Food waste is a major issue in Malaysia. Currently, human population in Malaysia is 34 billion which could be a factor driven in the increasing number of food waste in Malaysia. Newspapers have reported that Malaysia has wasted 16,688 tons of food per day, which could feed about 2.2 million people, up to three-times a day.

In my opinion, this issue is very worrying because at a time when the country is trying to achieve zero hunger, but on the contrary, there is a continuous disposal of food waste in large quantities by the Malaysian community in a day. This also clearly shows that as Muslims we do not follow the correct Islamic lifestyle as commanded by Allah in His book not to waste because that is the practice of the devil.

إِنَّ ٱلْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوٓا۟ إِخْوَٰنَ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينِ ۖ وَكَانَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ لِرَبِّهِۦ كَفُورًۭا ٢٧

Surely the wasteful are ˹like˺ brothers to the devils. And the Devil is ever ungrateful to his Lord. (17:27)

Undoubtedly, at home, my family and I also experience the same issue which is the disposal of food waste. As a large family, of course most dishes need to be prepared in large quantities and there are even different types of food due to different tastes and preferences. The preparation of food of various types and in large quantities and not being able to finish because of fullness can lead to the disposal of food waste.

Not only that, appetite and desire to be fulfilled can also be a factor in the occurrence of food waste. For example, when I go to street food places and see a variety of interesting food and drinks that can attract my interest. In order to fulfil my desire, I will buy the food and drink even though I know I will not be able to finish it yet I still bought it. If I can't afford to finish the food that I have bought, I easily throw it away without realizing it, especially when I find out that the food has spoiled a day after I bought it. I believe that this could have been avoided but due to greed and self-importance, I bought all the food and drink I wanted regardless of the side effects of my actions.

It didn't stop there, as I am continuing my studies at the university level, I witnessed more and more food waste going on. This is because, of course, when it is called a university, the number of students is not small, therefore in order to provide and take care of the students' welfare, various cafes and shops have been opened, serving and offering various types of food starting from Asian cuisine, middle east cuisine and various types of desserts and convenience stores such as CU Mart that provide ready-to-eat foods.

Based on my observations, I believe that the large number of shops and cafes added to the large number of students can contribute to the occurrence of food waste in large quantities per day. Thus, in order to prevent this issue from happening again, I believe there is a way that can be implemented in dealing with this matter.

At the initial stage, which is the stage of family institutions, I believe that parents are the closest individuals to their children. Therefore, early education from them can be given to children in educating them about the importance of saving and avoiding wasteful practices. Not only that, but good examples can also be shown by parents because young children tend to follow all the conversations and actions done by their parents. So as parents, it is natural for them to show good character and behavior so that they can be emulated by their children as an early education for them.

In addition, one of the ways in controlling the disposal of food waste from continuing to happen is the encouragement to eat meals according to the Malaysian healthy plate. The "quarter quarter half" method introduced by the Malaysian Ministry of Health is a very interesting and effective approach to practice in everyday life. Consuming a small amount of food can help prevent a person from wasting and throwing away food waste excessively. Not only the consumption of food in small quantities, even the Malaysian healthy plate educates us to take a balanced meal in our daily diet that complements carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins such as fruit and vegetables. As a result, the reduction of food waste in Malaysia can be reduced and at the same time Malaysia is able to produce a proactive, healthy and quality society. Next, the food waste that has been produced can be processed and turn it to an organic fertilizer product that can be used for plants. This can help reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers.

Last but not least, the lesson that I can learn based on this issue, it educates me to be a person who is more grateful for God's blessings and gifts, grateful from all aspects of life such as life, health, food and pleasure. Be a person who doesn't always compare yourself and look only at the sky, but be a person who looks down, where there are still many more difficult and needy people. For example, people who live in African countries, when in Malaysia there is food waste disposal, our brothers there are trying to find food to continue their lives. If we can enjoy chicken and meat every day, they can only taste it once a year. Therefore, compared to their hardships, I believe the disposal of food waste in Malaysia should be controlled and resolved as soon as possible.

Allah also has stated in His book that the more you grateful on what you have the more Allah gives you.

وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌۭ ٧

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'" (14:7)