KPDN’s Food Bank initiative has reached 1.16 million households, with efforts expanding through NGO partnerships and a focus on reducing food waste

KUALA LUMPUR: Approximately 1.16 million households have received aid from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s (KPDN) Food Bank initiative since its inception in 2020.

Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated the actual number of beneficiaries is likely higher, as this figure only includes data from the KPDN secretariat. He noted many non-governmental organisations run independent food bank programmes nationwide.

“We want this programme to have a wide impact and ensure that no group is left out,” Armizan told reporters at a Ramadan food bank event. He said the government is strengthening efforts through the Ihsan Food Bank (i-FB) initiative to attract more strategic partners from industry and NGOs.

This expansion aims to widen food distribution to those in need. The minister highlighted the programme’s role in tackling food waste, citing a SWCorp report estimating 17,000 tonnes of daily food waste in Malaysia.

He noted about 4,000 tonnes of this waste is still edible and suitable for redistribution. Surplus food can be channelled to those in need, helping reduce landfill waste and associated methane emissions.

To support this, KPDN has provided retort machines to strategic partners via its Incubator Ihsan Food Bank programme. These machines process surplus food into ready-to-eat meals for target groups.

Armizan confirmed 14 retort machines have been supplied to institutions like hotels and schools for pilot projects. The ministry is also in discussions with the Finance Ministry to create a recognition mechanism for contributing NGOs and industry players.

This move aims to acknowledge their commitment to easing living costs and supporting environmental sustainability. “We hope the mechanism can be announced soon and included in next year’s Budget,” Armizan said.

 The Sun Malaysia