Malaysia’s new i-FB food bank programme aims to cut waste and aid vulnerable groups, targeting SDG goals with a nationwide collaborative approach.

SABAK BERNAM: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has launched the Ihsan Food Bank Initiative, a transformative programme that combines food aid with environmental sustainability.

Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said i-FB represents a new approach to strengthening the national Food Bank Malaysia programme.

He stated the initiative emphasises nurturing compassion and encouraging collective participation to assist vulnerable groups.

“One of the key thrusts outlined is to reduce and redirect food surplus to food banks,” Armizan told reporters after the launch at Sultan Idris Shah Polytechnic.

He revealed that SWCorp data shows Malaysians generate 17,000 metric tonnes of food waste daily.

The i-FB initiative also focuses on fostering togetherness and volunteerism in the food rescue movement.

Armizan said this aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, targeting to halve food waste by 2030.

“A study by the FAO found that one-third, equivalent to 1.3 billion metric tonnes, of food produced globally is wasted,” he added.

The programme will involve collaboration with institutions of higher learning.

It will begin with a pilot project at selected Ramadan bazaars to help ease the public’s cost of living.

“I have entrusted the Deputy Minister with focusing on driving this initiative at Ramadan bazaars,” Armizan said.

 The Sun Malaysia