AT 5pm sharp, five men carrying placards that read “Don’t waste and just buy what you need” stand in a corner of the Ramadan bazaar in Putrajaya.

The group, led by activist Azmin Ishak, is no stranger to regular bazaar visitors. But to a newcomer, it is an interesting sight.

“We walk (with our placards) from 5pm until 6pm,” said the 35-year-old activist.

“The reception has been pretty good so far.”

As he spoke to The Malaysian Insight recently, visitors take selfies with Azmin.

“This is a more direct approach and it’s effective reminding people not to waste food by buying more than they need.”

Azmin said he was inspired to carry out his anti-waste campaign last year after reading news reports that up to 9,000 tonnes of food was thrown away daily during Ramadan. 

He cited a report quoting waste management company SWCorp, which said that 270,000 tonnes of food was wasted by Malaysians during Ramadan every year.

“Islam teaches us to be moderate in our practices, but we are wasteful instead,” he added.

“Hence, we decided to educate people on wastage by using placards last year. Those who want to join us can do so by getting a manila card and markers. This shows that we too cannot be wasteful as we go about sharing our message,” said Azmin.

Azmin said his simple message seems to be catching on as many people still remember his campaign from last year.

“One trader said some of his customers who bought more than they needed last year have cut down this year.”

His message has also attracted the attention of Malaysian Youth Council and Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim).

“With the two organisations, this campaign has now spread 21 Ramadan bazaars in the country with more than 30 volunteers.

“At first, I was trying figure out how to spread my message and get more volunteers. But with the groups I have achieved my goals,” said Azmin, who also organises mosque and surau cleaning campaigns during Ramadan. – May 31, 2017.