March 10, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR – There will be no food wasted at the Bertam Putra Ramadan bazaar here, as vendors ensure any leftovers are donated to the poor or shared among themselves.
Food operator Mohd Firdaus Idris, 32, said although he strived to prepare just the right amount of food each day, he admitted that there would still be leftovers on some days.
He serves a delicious array of fried dishes, including noodles, bee hoon and rice, selling about 100 to 150 packets at RM4 each.
“When maghrib approaches, signalling the time for buka puasa, I give away my food to other vendors and customers for free. Usually, it is around 20 to 30 packets.
“Sometimes, I bring it home and share it with my neighbours.
“The food I have prepared has been enough for sale so far, but I expect the crowd to grow larger in the second and third weeks of Ramadan,” said Mohd Firdaus, who has been selling at the bazaar for six years.
Siti Munirah Rahmat, 38, who is selling a variety of local kuih at the bazaar, also donates the leftovers from her stall to customers and fellow traders.
“Rather than throwing them away, we give the food to others.
“Giving out food during Ramadan is a form of sedekah (almsgiving) and is encouraged in Islam,” she said.
Beverage trader Najihah Sezali, 20, opted to sell her drinks at a lower price to efficiently manage surplus stock.
“The regular price for our beverages is RM3 per packet, but if there are extras, we sell them for RM1, or six packets for RM5 to clear out remaining stock more efficiently,” she said, adding that she sells around 1,000 packets daily.
Seberang Perai City councillor Zainuddin Mohamed urged traders to prepare food and beverages wisely to avoid waste, adding that the council has no specific programme for food waste at the Ramadan bazaar.
“Plan and prepare your food carefully to ensure enough is made for the day.
“Traders can also share the surplus food, in line with the spirit of Ramadan.
“It is important to prepare food in a clean and healthy manner to ensure it is safe for consumption.”