It’s officially the holy month of Ramadan, when billions of Muslims around the world observe a month of fasting for religious and spiritual reasons. During this time, restaurants and hotels in Malaysia and across the world host lavish special buffets for those breaking their fast.
However, it looks like a large number of Malaysians don’t approve of these buffets, and that sentiment became more evident when local actress Maya Karin shared her thoughts on Twitter.
Source: YouTube
Just yesterday (16th May), the Malaysian actress took to Twitter to share a list of Ramadan buffets, noting their high price ranges and how they probably aren’t worth the cost. She added that she refused to go for any Ramadan buffets out of principle.
I refuse any hotel buka puasa buffet now. Principle.
Siapa makan kat sana jangan meroyan pasal economy.— Maya Karin (@maya_karin) May 16, 2019
Her tweet soon garnered over 14,000 retweets and had many other Malaysians agreeing with her sentiments, sparking a conversation about the necessity of Ramadan buffets.
While some just agreed that these buffets were overpriced, a good number of netizens also said that they contribute a lot to food wastage. Some even said that the sheer lavishness of these buffets defeats the purpose of Ramadan.
I completely agree, that why I decline invited to this places and I let them know the reasons why, the money can be put to better use, the prices are just crazy high
— Darth Vadai (@DarthVadai) May 16, 2019
Been several years. Tiap kali puasa, I refuse invites to hotels or lavish buka puasa events. I think that’s the best. In every way… from avoiding food wastage, to encouraging unnecessary lavishness for a whole month.
— ᴊᴏᴇ ʟᴇᴇ ?? (@klubbkiddkl) May 16, 2019
It’s kinda like we’re doing the exact opposite pulak. Normal months, dinner nasik, 1 protein 1 veg, done. Puasa time: nasik, laksa, bubur lambuk, murtabak, ayam golek, daging bakaq, 2 air, dessert. Why do we do this whole puasa thang again?
— rottenberger (@derrottenberger) May 16, 2019
Sister, Food wastage goes up 33% more during Ramadhan, according to the Minister @saifnasution Totally contrary to Islam or any other religion https://t.co/SFsPL3GEg0
— Saladin (@saladinMY) May 16, 2019
Breaking fast lavishly defeats the purpose of Ramadhan and fasting. Fasting is meant to be a time for the rich to experience the dire conditions of the poor. People have to stop treating Ramadhan like it’s a festival. Ramadhan is a month of reflection, not a month of celebration
— Menteri Pemakanan dan Peminuman (@Earl_of_Loqstaq) May 16, 2019
In the first place, like it or not, all-you-can-eat buffet is against the spirit of #Ramadan. All we need to break our fast is just a glass of water (or two) and a small portion of food. How can people eat until they’re full, and they’d keep eating until they can no longer eat ?
— You Know Who ? (@iamdnzry) May 16, 2019
According to recent reports, about 20,000 tons of food is discarded by restaurants and hotels every week during Ramadan, which is a 5,000-ton increase from the 15,000 tons of food that is normally thrown away by these establishments in other months.
In 2017 alone, Malaysia reportedly spent over RM2 billion on solid waste management, and a large proportion of the food that was discarded was actually fit for consumption.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with what these netizens are saying? Let us know in the comments section!
Also read: Food Wastage In Malaysia Shoots Up From 15,000 Tons to 20,000 Tons/ Week During Ramadan
