Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is set to enhance the Ihsan Food Bank (i-FB) programme this year, focusing on a comprehensive action plan to improve its nationwide implementation. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali highlighted that the initiative aims to guide all stakeholders for more efficient and systematic execution.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the action plan will align the programme's direction and objectives, improving coordination among participating organisations and agencies. Datuk Armizan encouraged private sector participation, NGOs, and related institutions to contribute as food donors or partners in distribution and target group identification efforts.

The minister noted that engaging diverse stakeholders would create a supportive ecosystem for achieving the programme's goals effectively. The i-FB initiative prioritises community care, environmental protection, and rescuing consumable surplus food, promoting values of kindness and compassion in society.

On implementation, Armizan mentioned that QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd has been an early strategic partner through the i-FB@KFC project. This initiative, involving 10 KFC restaurants in Sabah, collaborates with NGOs to distribute surplus food to those in need. Plans are underway to expand the i-FB@KFC project nationwide, involving more restaurants and NGOs to bolster food rescue efforts and aid vulnerable communities.

The minister emphasized that this expansion underscores the government's commitment to reducing food waste and strengthening food security for those most in need.