KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 -- Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a time of gratitude, kindness and forgiveness, bringing the whole family together for a joyous celebration.

However, it is a season also notorious for creating more waste and pollution to the environment.

In 2023, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) reported that it had collected 86,177 tonnes of food waste during Ramadan.

This year, Mardi reported that 30,000 kilogrammes of unsold food was collected at bazaars in just the first two weeks of Ramadan, compared to last year's 25,000 kilogrammes.

Combine the food waste with the excessive shopping, outdoor fireworks and frequent travelling and it's clear to see that the environment will be harmed more durin...