Malaysia’s Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living announced plans to strengthen the Ihsan Food Bank (i-FB) programme through a comprehensive action plan aimed at improving implementation nationwide [1, 2]. The initiative was first officiated by Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali on June 7, who said the action plan will guide all stakeholders to implement the programme more effectively and systematically [1, 2].
The i-FB programme combines three main goals: caring for the community, protecting the environment, and rescuing surplus food that is still safe for consumption [1, 2]. Currently, QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd, through its KFC brand, is a strategic partner. The i-FB@KFC pilot project in Sabah involves 10 KFC restaurants working alongside 10 NGOs to distribute surplus food to those in need [1, 2].
Minister Armizan said, "We intend to strengthen the i-FB programme so that we can develop and publish an action plan that will serve as a reference for all parties involved in implementing the initiative" [1]. The i-FB@KFC initiative will be expanded nationwide in phases, involving more restaurants, NGOs, and related organisations to enhance efforts in food rescue and aid to vulnerable communities [1, 2].
The expansion reflects the government’s commitment to reducing food waste and strengthening food security support for the most vulnerable populations [1]. Authorities have also called on the private sector, NGOs, and related institutions to participate as donors or partners in food distribution and identifying target groups [1, 2].
The next steps include a phased rollout of the i-FB@KFC initiative to more locations across Malaysia, aiming to build a more systematic and effective food rescue network nationwide [1, 2].
