Approximately 3,000 tonnes of food wasted daily in Malaysia are preventable food waste, according to Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) director-general Datuk Dr Sharif Haron.

Citing the statistics from solid waste and public cleansing management service operator, SW Corporation, he said most of the food wasted were food that were untouched and still edible.

As such, he said the government had initiated the Save Food Malaysia (MYSaveFood) programme last year in a bid to reduce food loss and food waste in the country.

MySaveFood was launched based on the SaveFood Campaign, a global initiative introduced by Messe Duseeldorf Group in Berlin, Germany in 2011, with the cooperation of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, he said.

Sharif said this to reporters after the opening of the 33rd United Nations FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) Regional Conference and the launch of MYSaveFood campaign at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi here Thursday.

Sharif said FAO estimated one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year – or approximately 1.3 billion tonnes – worth RM4.4 trillion, got lost or wasted.

"The FAO views seriously the food loss and food waste occurring worldwide and had initiated the SaveFood campaign to Asia Pacific countries, including Malaysia," he said.

A total of 350 institutions and organisations had joined the SaveFood campaign since 2011.

Sharif said Mardi and the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry were the coordinator for the MYSaveFood programme in Malaysia to promote food loss and food waste reduction.

"Also to establish MYSaveFood network with the private sector, non-governmental organisations and consumer associations with the support from the ministry and local authorities," he said.