As Ramadan concludes, Malaysians prepare to welcome Syawal – a time of joy, reflection, and community spirit.
Beyond its religious and cultural significance, Aidilfitri offers an opportunity to realign festive practices with national aspirations for sustainable development, social equity, and economic inclusivity. These ideals are embodied in the Malaysia Madani framework, which emphasises well-being, environmental stewardship, and responsible governance.
A key milestone this year is the seven per cent reduction in food waste during Ramadan, as reported by SWCorp Malaysia. This positive trend signals growing public awareness of sustainability and waste minimisation, setting the stage for integrating environmentally responsible practices into Syawal celebrations, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national policy priorities.
Responsible consumption and production
From a sustainability accounting perspective, Syawal consumption patterns warrant examination. One concern is the over-purchasing of new clothing, driven by social norms and commercial marketing. The global textile industry contributes approximately four billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, accounting for 10 per cent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
Addressing this issue requires behavioural shifts among consumers and accountability from producers. Campaigns promoting responsible purchasing, such as “Buy Less, Choose Wisely,” should be institutionalised to support SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Encouraging practices like reusing or mixing and matching existing garments can also reduce household spending while aligning with financial prudence.
Sustainable practices should also be reflected in commercial spaces. Shopping centres and retailers can adopt green procurement strategies, such as reusing decorative materials and selecting biodegradable or recyclable alternatives. For households, bringing reusable shopping bags is a simple yet impactful action that contributes to waste reduction and supports SDG 13 (Climate Action). These efforts reinforce the Madani commitment to sustainability not just in policy but also in everyday business and consumer activities.
Sustainable travel and food management
Transportation patterns during Aidilfitri, particularly the tradition of balik kampung, also merit consideration. Increased private vehicle usage during this period raises national carbon emissions. Public policy and infrastructure support – including the promotion of public transport and ride-sharing, as well as strategic travel planning – can mitigate these effects. Following travel schedules provided by highway operators helps optimise travel time and cost, benefiting both climate action goals and household financial efficiency.
Food waste remains a critical challenge during open house events, which are central to Aidilfitri celebrations. According to MySaveFood’s 2024 report, 60.7 tonnes of food were saved and redistributed in a single year, valued at RM726,000. This demonstrates the tangible benefits of effective food planning.
From a financial reporting and business operations perspective, improving event planning and food inventory systems can reduce waste-related costs. Furthermore, these actions contribute to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and reflect social responsibility – a core value of the Madani economic model.
Tackling plastic waste
The excessive use of single-use plastics during Aidilfitri gatherings and bazaars also poses a significant environmental risk, particularly to marine ecosystems, which falls under SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable packaging and reusable food containers, should be mainstreamed through both policy advocacy and grassroots education.
Universiti Malaya’s plastic-free Aidilfitri celebration last year exemplified institutional leadership in reducing plastic dependency. By encouraging guests to bring their own containers, the university successfully cut waste and disposal costs, providing a replicable model for other organisations.
Economic inclusion and social equity
Social equity is another crucial component of a sustainable and inclusive Syawal. The distribution of over RM35 million by the Selangor Zakat Board to more than 75,000 asnaf families exemplifies structured financial assistance aimed at reducing poverty and enabling equitable festive participation. Similarly, government-linked companies (GLCs) in Terengganu have allocated profits for community support initiatives.
Last year, Yayasan Petronas provided aid to 4,900 B40 households through its “Memacu Kehidupan” programme. These efforts directly support SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), reinforcing the financial redistributive mechanisms essential to the Madani vision.
Beyond institutional efforts, community-based initiatives such as FreeMarkets and community kitchens provide effective grassroots solutions to social and economic disparities. By offering free goods and meals, these programmes ease the financial burden on low-income groups and strengthen social bonds. Such initiatives enhance community resilience while supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering inclusivity and compassion.
Boosting local economies
From an economic development perspective, prioritising local products during the festive season generates positive multiplier effects for the domestic economy. Supporting local entrepreneurs reduces reliance on imports – which tend to have higher carbon footprints due to transportation and logistics – while helping achieve SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating job opportunities and supporting micro-enterprises.
For consumers, local products also offer cost advantages, making them both an economically and environmentally sound choice.
Waste management and public awareness
Efficient waste management is another critical area for improvement. Providing recycling bins at open houses and bazaars can encourage proper waste segregation at the source. This practice not only supports SDG 12 but also reduces waste management costs borne by local authorities. Raising awareness about waste sorting practices can lead to long-term behavioural changes that improve public resource management.
A holistic approach to Madani Syawal
Syawal 2025 presents a strategic opportunity to embed sustainability, equity, and good governance into the national consciousness. Celebrating Aidilfitri sustainably does not diminish its essence – it enhances its significance.
Through responsible consumption, ethical financial practices, and inclusive economic participation, the nation can uphold the values of the Malaysia Madani framework while contributing meaningfully to the global sustainable development agenda.
A holistic approach that integrates sustainability with cultural celebration will ensure that Syawal remains a time of joy – but also one of responsibility, reflection, and resilience.
Dalilawati Zainal is a senior lecturer at the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya.
