Trienekens Unveils “Scraps to Scrumptious” Video Series to Combat Food Waste

YB Datuk Dr Hazland launching the zero food waste video series assisted by Paul (3rd right) and Stephen (5th right) as well as other VIP guests.

YB Datuk Dr Hazland (middle), Paul (4th right) and (4th left) Stephen taking a group photo at the end launching session along with other VIP guests.

Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd recently launched its “Scraps to Scrumptious” video series, a zero food waste awareness initiative aimed at raising awareness on food waste prevention. Supported by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak and UCSI University, the launching event marks a significant milestone in the fight against food loss and waste in Sarawak.

The zero food waste video series was launched by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, whose speech was read by YB Datuk Dr Haji Hazland bin Abang Hipni, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability.

Dr. Sim emphasised in his speech that food waste is a widespread problem that needs immediate attention and calls for cooperation from all stakeholders, including food producers, retailers, and consumers.

“We can do this by practising sustainable production and responsible consumption of food to minimise the generation of food waste. Food waste is one of the main contributors to climate change as it generates harmful greenhouse gases when it decomposes in landfills,” said Dr. Sim.

“We also use land, water, fuel, energy, manpower, and other resources to produce our food. It is important that we use all these resources sustainably to protect our environment from the detrimental impacts of food waste.”

In support of the initiative, the Controller for Environmental Quality Sarawak of NREB Sarawak, Jack Liam, represented by Mr Paul Bond Anak Chamberlin, Deputy Controller, said, “We need to relook and rethink the way we manage our food. Through awareness and educational programmes such as this video series, which serve as a powerful educational tool, we are able to highlight the importance of reducing waste to sustain our natural resources.”

The 12-episode video series showcases creative and inspiring recipes that demonstrate how unwanted or discarded ingredients can be transformed into delicious and nutritious meals. Through these engaging videos, Trienekens, in collaboration with MasterChef Asia finalist Jasbir Kaur, hopes to encourage individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices and make a positive impact in minimising food waste.

Trienekens Group CEO Stephen Chin said that the video series exemplifies the company’s commitment to addressing the critical issue of food waste. “By showcasing how simple yet innovative recipes can be created from discarded ingredients or leftover food, we aim to inspire the public to take their food waste seriously and work towards minimising it for a sustainable future. 

“We are also organising a zero food waste video competition for youths to raise awareness on food waste prevention. I would like to call on all talented youths to join and spread the word to raise awareness on this issue,” said Chin.

The event launch is also held in conjunction with the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste and part of the fringe activities planned under the National Environmental Day 2024 celebrations organised by NREB Sarawak in October. Also present at the event were Council of the City of Kuching South Deputy Mayor, Dato Zaedi Haji Suhaili, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Chairman, Cr. Tan Kai, Serian District Council (SDC) Chairman, Inting ak Nyami and representatives from UCSI University and AZAM Sarawak, who were also key collaborators in the zero-food waste campaign by Trienekens.

The zero food waste video series will be released weekly on Trienekens’ official Facebook page, website, and Customer Care mobile app from 29 September onwards.