KUALA LUMPUR: More than 1,000 of the 3,000 tonnes of waste dumped every day by city folks are leftovers that are basically untouched and still edible.
Describing the wastage as sad and worrying, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the waste in question should not happen among people since they are supposed to be more prudent and wise with their spending, considering the current economic situation.
He said city folks often complain about the high cost of living but yet based on the results of the analysis made by officials, it would seem that city folks are not thinking twice about the food they throw out.
"We have to remember, waste is against religious teachings and I appeal to all, regardless of Malays, Chinese or Indians, to not waste and show restraint in spending," he said.
He was speaking at the Recognition of the Area Rated A (Stage 1), Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Cleanliness Rating Blueprint event here, today.
Tengku Adnan also reminded traders and hawkers around the capital to not increase the prices of their merchandise, adding that their business licences can be revoked.
"In addition to raising prices, there are also traders who rent out their premises to third parties at double the rate. If the offence is identified, Kuala Lumpur City Hall will not hesitate to revoke their business licences," he said.
He said the action of traders who raise the prices of goods are seen as sabotaging the government by causing dissatisfaction among the people.-- BERNAMA