Food waste falls 11.7% during Ramadan 2026 - SWCorp

Food waste fell by 11.74 percent during this Ramadan in comparison to last year, reflecting the impact of awareness campaigns carried out by the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp).

Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Khalid Mohamed said the studies reported a significant reduction in the edible food disposal, from 37.05 percent in 2025 to 25.31 percent this year. 

"These findings reflect growing public awareness about the importance of valuing food and practising responsible spending and food preparation," he said, as reported by NST.

Khalid said,  the total volume of solid waste disposed increased by 10.02 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, which paralleled the population growth, rising economic activity and changing consumption patterns.

Visitors are reminded to only buy according to their needs to prevent food waste. (credit photo: Malaysiakini)

Although, the proportion of food waste during Ramadan continued to decline each year, falling from 40.97 percent in 2025 to 39.62 percent in 2026.

Despite the improvement, food waste during Ramadan remains 5.05 percent higher than in ordinary months, indicating increased food preparation and consumption during the fasting period.

According to an analysis on food waste categories, only 25.41 percent of disposal was classified as avoidable waste, implying the effectiveness of initiatives such as the Hargai Makanan campaign, anti-food waste programmes and the MySaveFood initiative.

Between 2024 and 2025, the MySaveFood initiative rescued about 70 tonnes of surplus food from Ramadan bazaars across Malaysia for redistribution to those in need.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SWCorp, Khalid Mohamed. (photo credit: SWCorp Instagram)

"This initiative not only reduces food waste but also contributes to social welfare and community well-being," Khalid said.

According to the CEO, excess food from Ramadan bazaars and buffet spreads as well as the tendency for visitors to buy more food than necessary remain the main factors behind waste disposal during the Holy month.

This year, SWCorp’s campaign centres around educating the traders to better plan food preparation quantities while encouraging the visitors to purchase depending on their actual needs.

Activities included sharing sessions on managing surplus food, promoting responsible purchasing, encouraging the reuse of food containers and the use of the ReMeal application to help channel excess food to those in need.

The Free Market Aidilfitri initiative allows the underprivileged community to prepare and experience a bliss celebration. (credit photo: SWCorp Instagram)

The company also organised public initiatives such as the Free Market Aidilfitri programme and reusable bag corners, aside from offering Touch 'n Go eWallet credits to shoppers who bring their own bags.

Khalid said, the most effective way to cultivate long-term food appreciation practices is through collaborating with government agencies, local authorities, non-governmental organisations, digital platforms and communities.

"Ramadan teaches us to appreciate sustenance. Food should be valued as a blessing, not simply as a choice," he said.

He urged visitors to Ramadan bazaars to practise moderation and avoid food wastage in line with the government's aspiration of building a sustainable and compassionate society.