MUSLIMS have been urged to rein in excessive appetites during Ramadan, amid growing concern over large-scale food wastage at buffet-style breaking-of-fast events.
Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said today observations by the group revealed that tonnes of food are being discarded, particularly at hotel Ramadan buffets where diners often pay premium prices.
He said the trend runs counter to Islamic teachings on discipline, moderation and thrift, values that are meant to be strengthened during the holy month.
"What we hear is that satay is the most wasted. A person who should be eating three skewers takes up to 10. In the end, they do not eat them and they are thrown away.
"Ramadan embodies discipline, moderation and thrift. But the complaints we are receiving are truly saddening.
"Paying a high price is one thing, but then wasting the food without eating it is another. When speaking about Palestine and Gaza, they become emotional. Yet when the fasting month arrives, these same people become uncontrollable," he told Harian Metro.
Nadzim proposed that hotel operators nationwide consider introducing retort initiatives or similar measures to reduce excess and prevent food from being wasted.
While acknowledging that buffet culture has long been established, he said decisive steps are needed to ensure surplus food is not casually discarded.
"Let this Ramadan be a catalyst for change in our efforts to improve our practices. We must make changes so that at the very least, this Ramadan is better than the last," he said.
When asked about the simplest way to curb wastage, Nadzim stressed that change must begin at home, with parents instilling discipline and moderation in their children from an early age.
Teaching children to take only what they need, he said, would help nurture a more responsible generation.
"We must learn to appreciate and be grateful. From the very beginning, the importance of thrift must be emphasised, because within our sustenance lies the sustenance of others as well.
"In other words, whatever we do will be good if we make the intention to seek the pleasure of Allah SWT," he added. - February 21, 2026
