KUALA LUMPUR — Some RM9 billion (S$3.2 billion) worth of food is wasted during the fasting month, said the head of a consumers’ association, adding that this habit was pushing prices up in the market.

Mr Nadzim Johan of the Muslim Consumers’ Association (PPIM) said food that was wasted during the breaking of fast created artificial demand. “Today, chicken prices, vegetable prices are going up because people waste. I am told that this waste costs RM9 billion during the fasting month. This is an unbelievable amount.

“Many Muslims are trapped in a fasting culture where they fast, then eat what they want then throw away the rest. This is a culture that I fear is will ruin the community.

“Malaysians have to condemn this culture,” he told reporters at the group’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today (June 23).

Mr Nadzim said that Ramadan buffets which are sponsored by some hotels added to the wastage, as the variety on the menus leads to a wastage that goes against the spirit of the fasting month. “We have created a culture that is not acceptable. The authorities should enforce something against this,” he said.

He said that eating too much while breaking fast sends the wrong signal because there are still many who go hungry in this country, and suggested a food collection centre must be established to prevent wastage.

“There must be a food exchange centre. Food that is not finished must be sent there voluntarily. If we want it done, nothing is impossible. This is not about going to the moon, it’s just about saving food,” he said. THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER