An attendee at SWCorp’s Hari Raya celebration separating waste after enjoying her meal. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
LEADING by example, Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) practised waste separation at source during its Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
To avoid wastage, attendees were encouraged to bring along containers to take away extra food during the event held at its headquarters in Cyberjaya, Selangor.
SWCorp chairman Datuk Rizalman Mokhtar said it was vital for the corporation to practise what they had been preaching to the people.
He said there was an estimated 20% increase in food waste during the Ramadan and Raya period, which was common during major festivities.
Although awareness of good waste management practice is increasing, Rizalman said there was still a long way to go in terms of reaching a satisfactory level of participation.
“We have run many campaigns on prevention of food wastage and better waste management practices.
“When wastes are separated at source and the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) are practised, there will be less waste to manage and less stress on landfills.
“We will not give up and will continue our campaigns because we are confident that one day, people will work with us to improve the management of solid waste,” he said.
SWCorp chief executive officer Ismail Mokhtar said they spent RM2bil annually for waste management in seven states.
He said the costs covered waste collection as well as general cleaning and maintenance of waste management facilities.
“Malaysians produce 38,000 tonnes of domestic waste daily, out of which 45% or 17,000 tonnes are food waste.
“Some food waste like bones are unavoidable, but we must reduce avoidable food waste, which is about 4,080 tonnes daily,” he said.
