Latest news with #Subbarow
New Straits Times
21 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
a day 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
a day 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
a day 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
08-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Stalwart's call to defend future generations
PETALING JAYA: The fight against tobacco is not just about eliminating a habit; it's about safeguarding our future generations, says NV Subbarow (pic), a stalwart of Malaysia's anti-smoking movement. As an education officer with the Consumers Association of Penang, Subbarow has spent nearly 35 years championing tobacco control, recently earning the prestigious Tobacco Control Icon Award from the Health Ministry during the 2025 National Tobacco Control Conference and the national-level World No Tobacco Day celebration. His work, which involves conducting lectures, interactive sessions, and discussions with students to highlight the dangers of smoking and vaping, has had a tangible impact that has seen many young Malaysians abandon these harmful habits. Subbarow's journey began with a focus on traditional cigarettes, but as the landscape of tobacco use evolved, so did his strategies. 'When I started, it was just cigarettes. Now, the rise of disposable vapes presents a new challenge. 'These devices, often marketed in enticing flavours and easily accessible, have become a simple and inexpensive alternative for many, particularly the youth,' he said, adding that his interactions revealed a concerning trend. 'Children as young as eight or nine have been experimenting with vapes left unattended by family members. 'It's shocking when children say they were encouraged to try these gadgets under the guise of fruit flavours,' he said, highlighting a disturbing trend of rural vapers mixing substances like drugs and stimulants with the vaporiser's liquid. To achieve both educational and cautionary results, Subbarow said he uses vivid imagery of nicotine's effects and the dangers of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (Evali) to drive home the risks. 'Seeing these images often frightens students into quitting immediately,' he said, adding that the fear of having erectile dysfunction also works among older male students. As Subbarow looks to the future, his resolve is unshaken. Subbarow draws inspiration from figures such as the late SM Mohd Idris, the former president of CAP, and Dr Mary Assunta, an internationally renowned tobacco control researcher, whose legacies fuel his unwavering determination. 'Winning the award doesn't stop my campaign. I've got five more school programmes lined up after the holidays. 'I won't give up until Malaysia is smoke-free,' he said, adding that 20 students are currently seeking his guidance to quit vaping. So far, he has reached about 30,000 individuals, including students, undergraduates, and youths from various backgrounds. Teachers and parents have called him to convey their gratitude, sharing stories of how their children have abandoned the smoking culture. Subbarow also called for stronger policies, including the Generational Endgame Bill aimed at a tobacco-free society by 2040. 'Without action, the vape culture will lead to more drug addicts in our country. 'The Malaysian government cannot wait further to implement a total ban on smoking and vaping products, whether they come with flavours or otherwise. 'State governments that delay action are sitting on a ticking time bomb, creating a critical issue,' he said.
