KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry will strictly monitor public universities and issue formal notices to private institutions to ensure cafeteria operators do not implement arbitrary price hikes.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry is prepared to take action against stubborn contractors who disregard student welfare amid rising costs.
He emphasised that while public universities fall under the ministry’s jurisdiction, private institutions are expected to cooperate to maintain affordable food prices.
"At the public university level, we are monitoring the situation as it falls under our authority. For the private institutions, we will notify them to take these matters into account," Zambry told reporters at a financial literacy event on Monday (April 13).
He cautioned that a failure to cooperate could affect the broader relationship between these institutions and the ministry.
Zambry said recent discussions with student representative councils highlighted concerns regarding food prices at several institutions. He has since directed vice-chancellors at public universities to maintain constant surveillance.
Addressing the private sector, Zambry said that while some universities cater to high-income students, many others, including those linked to government-linked companies such as Uniten, MMU and UTP, serve students from lower-income backgrounds.
"I have informed them to take these factors into consideration, particularly regarding cafeteria operators who charge standard market rates without considering the financial constraints of underprivileged students," he added.
The minister urged all 20 public and 372 private universities, along with polytechnics and community colleges, to adopt welfare-driven initiatives such as the "Menu Kasih Siswa" programme.
Earlier, Zambry highlighted the Celik Madani financial literacy programme by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), which aims to reach one million students by 2030. Participants receive a RM50 seed investment to begin their investment journey.
