Latest news with #ConsumersAssociationofPenang
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
CAP calls for food waste law
KUALA LUMPUR: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to introduce a comprehensive Food Waste Act to tackle the alarming rate of food wastage in Malaysia, while also encouraging Malaysians to grow their own vegetables and herbs to cope with rising food prices. CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow said such a law would enable Malaysia to address environmental, social and economic challenges related to food waste, while supporting its commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "Malaysia throws away about 17,000 tonnes of food every day, and more than 3,000 tonnes of it are still edible. "That's why we need a dedicated law to reduce this wastage and encourage sustainable habits," he told Bernama when met after appearing as a guest on Bernama TV's pre-recorded Tamil talk show 'Paarvai' at Wisma Bernama here last Friday. Subbarow said most Malaysians do not realise the scale of the issue. "We live in a country blessed with delicious food, but unfortunately, we often discard edible items without thinking, and this contributes significantly to national food waste. "The only way to change this societal habit is through an effective law that encourages responsible consumption and educates the public," he said. He pointed out that France passed a pioneering law in 2016 which bans supermarkets from throwing away unsold edible food, requiring them instead to donate it to charities. "Malaysia can learn from such examples," he added. Subbarow also welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent directive for government departments to stop using imported goods, particularly food, at official events, saying it was a timely move that complements efforts to reduce waste and support local producers. "We fully support the prime minister's call. "Prioritising local produce empowers farmers and reduces the environmental cost of long-haul food transport," he said. To help ease the burden of rising vegetable prices, he encouraged Malaysians to grow their own food, noting that many fruiting plants, leafy greens and herbs can be cultivated even in limited spaces like balconies or small backyards. He also cited a projection by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations that global food demand may rise by 70 per cent by 2050, driven by increasing consumer incomes in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. "This further highlights the urgency for Malaysia to adopt a food waste law and promote self-sufficiency through home gardening," he said. – Bernama
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia urged to enact Food Waste Law, promote home gardening
KUALA LUMPUR: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to introduce a comprehensive Food Waste Act to tackle the alarming rate of food wastage in Malaysia, while also encouraging Malaysians to grow their own vegetables and herbs to cope with rising food prices. CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow said such a law would enable Malaysia to address environmental, social and economic challenges related to food waste, while supporting its commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 'Malaysia throws away about 17,000 tonnes of food every day, and more than 3,000 tonnes of it are still edible. That's why we need a dedicated law to reduce this wastage and encourage sustainable habits,' he told Bernama when met after appearing as a guest on BERNAMA TV's pre-recorded Tamil talk show 'Paarvai' at Wisma Bernama here last Friday. Subbarow said most Malaysians do not realise the scale of the issue, adding: 'We live in a country blessed with delicious food, but unfortunately, we often discard edible items without thinking, and this contributes significantly to national food waste.' 'The only way to change this societal habit is through an effective law that encourages responsible consumption and educates the public,' he said. He pointed out that France passed a pioneering law in 2016 which bans supermarkets from throwing away unsold edible food, requiring them instead to donate it to charities. 'Malaysia can learn from such examples,' he added. Subbarow also welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent directive for government departments to stop using imported goods, particularly food, at official events, saying it was a timely move that complements efforts to reduce waste and support local producers. 'We fully support the Prime Minister's call. Prioritising local produce empowers farmers and reduces the environmental cost of long-haul food transport,' he said. To help ease the burden of rising vegetable prices, he encouraged Malaysians to grow their own food, noting that many fruiting plants, leafy greens and herbs can be cultivated even in limited spaces like balconies or small backyards. He also cited a projection by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations that global food demand may rise by 70 per cent by 2050, driven by increasing consumer incomes in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. 'This further highlights the urgency for Malaysia to adopt a food waste law and promote self-sufficiency through home gardening,' he said.
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
CAP calls for Food Waste Law
KUALA LUMPUR: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to introduce a comprehensive Food Waste Act to tackle the alarming rate of food wastage in Malaysia, while also encouraging Malaysians to grow their own vegetables and herbs to cope with rising food prices. CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow said such a law would enable Malaysia to address environmental, social and economic challenges related to food waste, while supporting its commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 'Malaysia throws away about 17,000 tonnes of food every day, and more than 3,000 tonnes of it are still edible. That's why we need a dedicated law to reduce this wastage and encourage sustainable habits,' he told Bernama when met after appearing as a guest on BERNAMA TV's pre-recorded Tamil talk show 'Paarvai' at Wisma Bernama here last Friday. Subbarow said most Malaysians do not realise the scale of the issue, adding: 'We live in a country blessed with delicious food, but unfortunately, we often discard edible items without thinking, and this contributes significantly to national food waste.' 'The only way to change this societal habit is through an effective law that encourages responsible consumption and educates the public,' he said. He pointed out that France passed a pioneering law in 2016 which bans supermarkets from throwing away unsold edible food, requiring them instead to donate it to charities. 'Malaysia can learn from such examples,' he added. Subbarow also welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent directive for government departments to stop using imported goods, particularly food, at official events, saying it was a timely move that complements efforts to reduce waste and support local producers. 'We fully support the Prime Minister's call. Prioritising local produce empowers farmers and reduces the environmental cost of long-haul food transport,' he said. To help ease the burden of rising vegetable prices, he encouraged Malaysians to grow their own food, noting that many fruiting plants, leafy greens and herbs can be cultivated even in limited spaces like balconies or small backyards. He also cited a projection by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations that global food demand may rise by 70 per cent by 2050, driven by increasing consumer incomes in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. 'This further highlights the urgency for Malaysia to adopt a food waste law and promote self-sufficiency through home gardening,' he said.
Barnama
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
CAP Calls For Food Waste Law
KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to introduce a comprehensive Food Waste Act to tackle the alarming rate of food wastage in Malaysia, while also encouraging Malaysians to grow their own vegetables and herbs to cope with rising food prices. CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow said such a law would enable Malaysia to address environmental, social and economic challenges related to food waste, while supporting its commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "Malaysia throws away about 17,000 tonnes of food every day, and more than 3,000 tonnes of it are still edible. That's why we need a dedicated law to reduce this wastage and encourage sustainable habits,' he told Bernama when met after appearing as a guest on BERNAMA TV's pre-recorded Tamil talk show 'Paarvai' at Wisma Bernama here last Friday. Subbarow said most Malaysians do not realise the scale of the issue, adding: "We live in a country blessed with delicious food, but unfortunately, we often discard edible items without thinking, and this contributes significantly to national food waste." "The only way to change this societal habit is through an effective law that encourages responsible consumption and educates the public," he said. He pointed out that France passed a pioneering law in 2016 which bans supermarkets from throwing away unsold edible food, requiring them instead to donate it to charities. 'Malaysia can learn from such examples,' he added. Subbarow also welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent directive for government departments to stop using imported goods, particularly food, at official events, saying it was a timely move that complements efforts to reduce waste and support local producers. "We fully support the Prime Minister's call. Prioritising local produce empowers farmers and reduces the environmental cost of long-haul food transport," he said.
The Star
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia-European Free Trade Association partnership agreement could negatively impact many sectors, says CAP
PETALING JAYA: The proposed Malaysia-European Free Trade Association (Efta) Economic Partnership Agreement (Meepa) could have far-reaching consequences for public health, access to seeds, and farmers' rights, says the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP). Health policy advisor Dr Lim Chee Han stated that the leaked intellectual property (IP) annexe of the deal contains 'TRIPS-plus' provisions—rules that exceed the requirements under the World Trade Organisation's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). These provisions, he explained, could lead to extended patent monopolies, restrict the government's ability to introduce affordable generic medicines, and increase the cost of essential drugs. 'Agreeing to TRIPS-plus measures ties the hands of our government. It restricts our ability to respond to public health needs and will drive up the cost of medicines, affecting access for patients who need life-saving treatment,' he said during the press conference on Friday (June 13). Lim also warned that the agreement would impact the country's food security and farmers' livelihoods. 'The provisions would undermine existing protections in our national laws that allow farmers to save, reuse, exchange, and sell their seeds. This threatens our local farming practices and long-term food sovereignty,' he said. He emphasised that Malaysia, as a net importer of intellectual property, stands to lose more than it gains. 'Efta countries, including Switzerland and Norway, represent a small market compared to Malaysia. Yet we are being asked to give up a lot, especially when the total population of Efta is less than half of ours,' he added. Lim urged the government not to rush into signing the deal and called for transparency in the negotiation process. 'The full text of Meepa must be released for public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny. We must retain our right to regulate in the public interest, especially in areas as vital as health and agriculture,' he said. Additionally, the group has submitted the memorandum to the Prime Minister's Department, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
