Mapping the pattern of Muslim college students’ food waste reduction behaviour: a gender-based study in YPJ College, Kota Tinggi

Food waste is a growing global concern, particularly in educational institutions where students’ consumption behaviours significantly impact waste generation. This study explores gender-specific and personality-driven food waste behaviours among Muslim students enrolled in hospitality and culinary programs at YPJ College, where foodrelated knowledge and sustainability values are shaped by both academic and religious influences. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the study examines how attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and emotions differ across genders and affect food waste intentions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 222 students and analysed using the Descriptive Statistic, MannWhitney U Test and pattern mapping. Results reveal that female students are more strongly driven by emotional and ethical motivations such as guilt, care, and social responsibility while male students exhibit higher tendencies in knowledge, habits, and behavioural control, suggesting a more rational and structured approach. Despite these differences, both genders demonstrated similar attitudes and perceived control toward food waste reduction, affirming TPB’s relevance in predicting behaviour beyond gender categories. Additionally, Islamic teachings were found to influence sustainable practices, with students referencing religious values like moderation and avoiding wastefulness. The study contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 5: Gender Equality) by providing practical recommendations for gender-sensitive interventions: emotional, ethics-based campaigns for female students, and knowledge-based, behaviour-oriented programs for male students. These insights offer valuable guidance for universities, educators, and policymakers to design effective, faith-aligned sustainability strategies. Future research is encouraged to apply this model across different academic disciplines and cultural settings to further validate and refine targeted approaches to food waste reduction.