Consumers’ Awareness and Knowledge about Food Waste in Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Food waste constitutes more than 40% of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in Malaysia. However, the
subject is still relatively new for waste avoidance and minimisation incentives. In this study, we strived to unveil the
many factors responsible for food waste in homes. There is an extensive discussion in the literature review touching
on almost all the possible areas of the behaviour from both international and local standpoints. We chose Behavioural
analysis as it can provide methods for recognising the perception, determinants and driving force behind food waste in
households. Understanding the food waste phenomenon through the consumer behaviour is paramount to achieving a
sustainable future. The literature showed us reasons people have and results from different food waste studies presented
around the globe. The survey-based study guided by the theoretical framework targeted household heads from different
diverse locations across Selangor. A total of 105 respondents were issued questionnaires touching on various facets of food
waste in November 2016. After all due analysis along with mean and standard deviations of awareness and knowledge
about the quantity of food they waste, it has been concluded that food waste awareness and knowledge are based around
the financial effects and that many feel those around them waste more food than them. We recommend the need for
further behavioural studies to fully understand the intention, behaviour and attitudes of consumers to help policy makers
make the right laws with regards to food waste.
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