Kuala Lumpur:Nearly 40% of the 40,000 metric tonnes of solid waste generated daily in the country consists of food waste, according to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Nga emphasized the need for a "whole-of-nation approach" to address this issue, urging both businesses and consumers to change their attitudes and practices toward waste.

During a session in the Dewan Rakyat, Nga described food waste as a grave concern, noting that while it is not a crime, it is a significant moral issue. He responded to a question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi regarding efforts to reduce landfill waste and increase recycling rates.

Minister Nga expressed confidence that the ministry would exceed its target of a 40% recycling rate by the end of the year. Through the "Trash to Cash" programme, recyclable materials collected between January and August surpassed 7.86 million kilogrammes, valued at over RM2.85 million.

Additionally, a zero-waste community initiative established 17 active centres, collecting over 111,504 kg of recyclable materials. A school-based competition involving 1,680 schools gathered 4.95 million kilogrammes of recyclables, generating RM2.98 million in sales.

Nga reported that from 2018 to last year, nearly 20 million kilogrammes of recyclable items were collected, with proceeds over RM10.22 million.

In response to supplementary questions on cable theft, Nga stated the Cabinet is seriously addressing the issue, collaborating with the Ministry of Home Affairs to consider amending laws for harsher penalties. This follows several disruptions to LRT operations caused by theft syndicates, underscoring the need for enhanced public safety measures.