Free meals are part of the food aid initiative for students at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. — Bernama
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) has implemented the “Dapur Siswa Madani” initiative to help reduce the cost of living for its students.
Vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Arham Abdullah said about 76% of UMK students came from the B40 group, so the initiative would ensure they had access to food and other basic needs.
The initiative involves provision of cooking equipment and dry food supplies so that students can make their own meals.
“UMK also plans to provide ready-cooked meals two to four times a month for asnaf students and those from poor families,” Prof Arham told Bernama.
UMK deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Mohammad Ismail said the university had further plans to set up five “Dapur Siswa Madani” throughout the year.
He said the initiative would be located at residential colleges in Bachok, Kota Bharu and Jeli campuses.
Meanwhile, Prof Arham said the university had spent about RM1.5mil last year on student welfare programmes.
The assistance, which included laptops, food banks and medical aid, benefitted more than 8,000 students, he said.
UMK Student Representative Council president Saiful Azam Shamsul Amir welcomed the “Dapur Siswa Madani” initiative as it helped reduce students’ financial burden.
Earlier this month, the Federal Government announced a RM15mil allocation to strengthen programmes offering free food and food banks at higher education institutions via “Dapur Siswa Madani”.
