Malaysia has ranked fourth in Southeast Asia for food wastage per capita, with each person discarding an average of 81kg of food annually, according to the 2024 Food Waste Index Report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
A viral infographic summarizing the report was recently posted on social media by seasia.stat.
Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia top the list
Leading the region in food waste is Laos, where each person wastes 89kg of food yearly, followed by Thailand (86kg) and Cambodia (85kg).
Malaysia’s 81kg puts it ahead of countries like Myanmar (78kg), Brunei (76kg), Vietnam (72kg), Singapore (68kg), Indonesia (53kg), and the Philippines (26kg).
Despite common perceptions, food waste isn’t just a problem in wealthier nations—many lower-income countries actually waste more food per person than some wealthier counterparts.
In Malaysia, factors like relatively affordable food prices contribute to higher wastage, as people tend to over-purchase and discard uneaten food.
A big part of Malaysia’s food waste issue comes from its love for buffets and large banquet-style meals, which often lead to excess food being thrown away.
Food waste harms the environment, society, and global economy, and experts stress the importance of reducing wastage.
To play a part, individuals can:
- Buy only what’s needed
- Repurpose leftovers for pets or composting
