Local authorities are, therefore, urged to consider more effective and environmentally friendly methods, such as the use of black soldier flies (BSF).
A species of fly found in tropical countries, BSF – scientific name Hermetia Illucens – can be used to process daily organic waste in a safe and ecologically friendly manner.
Speaking with FMT, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) treasurer-general Nur Asyikin Aminuddin highlighted that BSF larvae can effectively process food waste without contributing to environmental pollution.
She suggested that local authorities initially conduct small-scale trials, such as in residential areas or at Ramadan bazaars, to determine weaknesses in the approach and rectify them before expanding it to every state.
“The advantage of using BSF is its circular-economy system, where food waste from humans is consumed by the larvae, which are then used as animal feed, while the animals’ manure serves as plant fertiliser.
“Animals and plants, in turn, will be consumed by humans, creating a complete cycle,” she explained.
According to the 2024 United Nations Environment Programme report released last month, Malaysia ranked fourth among Southeast Asian countries with the highest amount of food waste.
Meanwhile, 10 volunteers from the Insective Lab at Universiti Malaya (UM) have spent the past year developing a BSF breeding project to raise awareness on food waste management.
According to the group’s founder, Aisyah Maisarah Abd Raza, BSF larvae can consume any organic waste, including fruits, vegetables and expired foods.
“What’s interesting about BSF is not its life cycle as a fly but its larval phase: it is very hungry and can eat up to four times its body weight,” the 23-year-old said.
“There are over 15 cafés at UM alone, so it’s easy for us to breed BSF as we have many nearby sources of food waste.”
Aisyah added that caring for BSF is not difficult despite the larvae requiring specific growth conditions such as temperatures between 25°C and 35°C, and humidity levels from 50-70%.
The larvae, she shared, are also used as feed for various breeds of fowl reared on UM’s mini farm.
The BSF project undertaken by Insective Lab is funded by a RM35,000 grant under the higher education ministry’s University-Community Social Enterprise Programme.