RAMADAN bazaar traders in Selangor have thrown away more than 1,000 tonnes of unsold food since they opened on March 23, Sinar Harian reported.

KDEB Waste Management managing director Ramli Mohd Tahir is reported to have said the food waste was collected from Ramadan bazaar traders in seven areas under the purview of Selangor local councils during the fasting month.

The total amount of wasted food collected was 1,326.06 tonnes or an average of 73.76 tonnes per day, he said.

The seven are Shah Alam City Council, Kuala Langat Municipal Council, Sepang Municipal Council, Klang Municipal Council, Kajang Municipal Council, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and Selayang Municipal Council.

“In just 10 days the amount of waste generated from Ramadan bazaars in Selangor has cumulatively reached 727.6 tonnes.

“The garbage collected is the size of a football field. In my opinion, that amount of garbage is very high for 10 days of fasting,” he said, as quoted by the news portal.

The firm only handles solid waste in the seven areas while Hulu Selangor, Kuala Selangor, Ampang Jaya, Sabak Bernam and Petaling Jaya are managed by their respective local councils.

“This amount only involves seven local councils. If it is mixed with another five local councils the total may reach 100 tonnes per day,” he added.

Ramli hopes all parties will work together to limit wastage from the Ramadan bazaar business.

He said, if the situation continues, it will have a long-term impact on nature sustainability.

“If not managed properly, drains can become clogged and cause of flooding.

“The food wastage will cause global warming and climate change to worsen,” he said. – April 9, 2023.