The Shocking Truth About Food Waste in Malaysia
Let’s talk numbers. Malaysians generate approximately 39,078 tonnes of solid waste daily — that’s like throwing away over 1.17 kg per person every single day (according to the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation). Imagine the weight of an average bowling ball. Now, imagine 30 million of those dumped into landfills every single day. Disturbing, isn’t it?
The Real Picture: What Our Survey Found
As students, we need to understand the importance of reducing food waste. Many people don’t realise just how much food they throw away, which contributes to landfill overflow.
To better understand how Malaysians manage food waste; and as part of an employer project between Sunview and INTI, we conducted a survey. The results? A mix of hope and concern.
- 53% of respondents admitted that they do not plan their meals in advance, which often leads to excess food being wasted.
- 47% do plan their meals, showing a conscious effort to reduce food waste.
- 56% store leftovers in the fridge and eat them the next day.
- Some 44% had other methods— taking leftovers to school, feeding stray animals, or ensuring nothing is left behind.
This indicates varying levels of food waste management among Malaysians. Clearly, there’s still a lot of work to be done, but there’s also a promising shift in mindset!
The Domino Effect of Food Waste
Wasting food isn’t just about tossing leftovers. It’s a chain reaction that affects:
- The Environment: Food waste decomposes in landfills, releasing methane—a greenhouse gas about 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
- Your Wallet: Every wasted meal equals money down the drain.
- Food Security: While we throw food away, others struggle to put food on the table.
Small Changes, Big Impact
The good news? Reducing food waste is easier than you think. Here’s how you can make a difference starting today:
- Plan Your Meals: Before grocery shopping, list what you need and stick to it! No more impulse buys that rot in the fridge.
- Store Food Properly: Keep perishable items in airtight containers and label leftovers so they don’t get forgotten.
- Compost Scraps: 53% of respondents compost their food waste for fertilizer, but 29% still throw it away. Let’s turn that around!
- Donate Surplus Food: If you cooked too much, consider sharing with those in need. Some organisations collect excess food and distribute it to the less fortunate.
From Food Waste to Energy Savings
As food wastage remains a significant issue in Malaysia, we recognise that small changes in daily habits can make a big impact —and reducing food waste is just one part of sustainable living. Want to take it up a notch and cut down your energy bills too? Adopting renewable energy solutions, like switching to solar energy is another step toward a cleaner environment and long-term savings.
A Brighter, Greener Future With Solar Energy
Solar energy offers a viable path toward a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. While challenges like high initial costs and storage limitations exist, growing awareness of its benefits, along with government incentives, are making solar power more accessible. By recognising these issues and adopting more sustainable choices in daily life, we can truly contribute to meaningful change in Malaysia’s environmental future.
As climate change and Malaysia’s sustainability scene continues to grow, don’t miss out! Turn your home into a source of savings and sustainability with solutions like SunVast, a home solar solution by Sunview that helps you take control of your electricity bills.
Connect with the Sunview team here today and start saving!
Be Part of the Change
Malaysia’s sustainability movement is growing—don’t get left behind! Whether it’s through reducing food waste or embracing renewable energy, the choices you make today will shape a greener, cleaner future.
Editor’s note: The article was co-contributed by the students of INTI and is part of an Employer Project between Sunview & INTI International College Subang. The contents have been edited to align with the professional editorial standards of Sunview. The views and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Sunview.
Co-Contributed by Students of INTI:
- Duwee Xin Yu
- Ang Lim Hui Ling
- Collin Ryan Lazaroo
- Foong Wai Shaun
- Darshyan Koh Sivakumaran
Lecturer: En. Faizul Azhar, Lecturer
Pre-University, INTI International College Subang
Edited by: Sunview’s editorial team
For more information on adopting sustainability with solar solutions, visit Sunview’s website here today.
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