Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Collaborates with ReMeal to Reduce Food Waste at Ramadan Bazaars
Initiative to Prevent Food Waste
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has partnered with the ReMeal platform this year to collect data on the amount of food successfully saved from disposal at Ramadan bazaars. This initiative is part of the ministry’s efforts to prevent food that is unsold from ending up as waste.
How ReMeal Works
With the ReMeal application, the ministry can track the amount of food saved and which Ramadan bazaar locations were involved. Additionally, the platform offers the food returned for purchase at a large discount. According to Deputy Minister Dr. Fuziah Salleh, this approach can be achieved with the ReMeal platform and sufficient help and support from volunteers nationwide.
Success of MySaveFood Programme
To date, the MySaveFood programme has successfully saved a total of 36,292.2 kilogrammes (kg) of food from being disposed of at Ramadan bazaars. Of that total, 12,691.16 kg of food was saved by Student Consumer Movements (GPS), at 68 public and private higher education institutions this year.
Rahmah Ramadan Bazaar (BRR) Success
The success of BRR can be seen through the increase in its number since 2023, from 41 to 95 locations nationwide this year. Additionally, the number of stalls offering the Rahmah Menu to the public has also increased.
Incentivizing Sustainable Food Options
Interestingly, the ministry is giving discount cards to traders who offer the Rahmah Menu to enable them to buy food ingredients at a discounted price during the Rahmah Sale. This move is to ensure that the Rahmah Menu, which is sold at RM5 and below, is sustainable.
Conclusion
The collaboration between KPDN and ReMeal is a significant step towards reducing food waste at Ramadan bazaars. By working together, they can ensure that more food is saved and made available to those in need.
FAQs
- Q: What is the ReMeal platform?
A: The ReMeal platform is an application that allows the ministry to track the amount of food saved and which Ramadan bazaar locations were involved. - Q: How much food has been saved through the MySaveFood programme?
A: To date, the MySaveFood programme has successfully saved a total of 36,292.2 kg of food from being disposed of at Ramadan bazaars. - Q: What is the Rahmah Menu?
A: The Rahmah Menu is a menu item sold at a discounted price (RM5 and below) to ensure its sustainability. - Q: What is the purpose of the discount cards given to traders?
A: The discount cards are given to traders who offer the Rahmah Menu to enable them to buy food ingredients at a discounted price during the Rahmah Sale.