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Proposed blurb: Awareness is rising on the need to cut food waste, including during festivals as well as Ramadan. We sort through the latest numbers to see if the tide is turning on efforts to reduce the mountainous amount of food that ends up in landfills.   By SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI PETALING JAYA: Efforts to reduce food waste during Ramadan is getting a boost from consumers who have become more prudent and price conscious when buying food.   This is among the reasons for a 6.5% drop in the amount of food waste in the first two weeks of the fasting month this year compared to the same period last year, said Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp).   The company said 40,723 tonnes of food waste was generated in the first half of Ramadan this year compared to 43,566 tonnes last year – a reduction of 2,843 tonnes.   “Individuals are choosing to shop in a more prudent and modest manner, carefully selecting food items according

  By SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI     PETALING JAYA: Physical banknotes are the preferred choice for many Muslims in Malaysia when it comes to giving duit raya, but online cash transfers are gaining ground as an alternative. The custom of handing out packets containing money as gifts to family and other loved ones especially children during Aidilfitri is seen a way to strengthen ties and ease the burden of the needy. Rafiqha Mustaffa, 32, is among those who still prefer the traditional method of giving out duit raya in the form of physical banknotes. "I give my children duit raya in cash for sentimental reasons. “I remember feeling happy when I received the cash in my hand, so I want my children and other children to experience the same,” said the mother of two. Others, such as Ashikin Azhar, prefers cashless transactions for its convenience. "Digital money transfer is very appealing to me as it is easier and immediate, and nowadays