A TOTAL of one million Nasi Mekdi meals will be given to students of institutions of higher learning by the end of 2026.
This is the goal of McDonald’s Malaysia’s ‘Program Santun Pelajar’, an initiative that was recently launched to support these students across Malaysia who face challenges in meeting basic daily needs during their studies.
The programme was formed through engagements with universities, polytechnics, community colleges, private colleges and TVET institutions, many of which have highlighted growing financial challenges that negatively impact students’ academic focus and well-being.
Students in need will be identified through a transparent process to receive support from the programme.
Under its first phase, McDonald’s will distribute Nasi Mekdi meal vouchers to 20 institutions across 11 states, providing eligible students with access to meals so they can concentrate on their studies.
The vouchers can then be redeemed at participating McDonald’s restaurants for the meal set, which consists of rice, curried potatoes, egg, Spicy Ayam Tenders McD and iced lemon tea.
From Feb 19 to March 10, a total of 50,000 Nasi Mekdi meals will be served to students from Mondays to Fridays, coinciding with Ramadan.
McDonald’s Malaysia managing director and local operating partner Datuk Azmir Jaafar said the programme is an extension of their ongoing commitment to empowering youth development through training, capacity building and employment pathways.
“McDonald’s Malaysia has long supported youth development through vocational qualifications and employment opportunities via the McDonald’s Vocational Academy and the National Dual Training System (SLDN).
“With more than 10,000 Gen Z employees currently working with us, we are confident in our role as a youth development partner for the nation. Program Santun Pelajar is a natural extension of this commitment,” he said during the launch of the programme at McDonald’s Titiwangsa Drive-Thru restaurant.
The rising living costs such as food, transportation and accommodation have placed increasing pressure on students, Azmir added.
“Some are forced to tighten their daily spending or work part-time, affecting both their well-being and their ability to focus on their studies. We want to ensure that basic needs do not become a barrier to their success,” he pointed out.
Student representatives from the participating institutions of higher learning also attended the launch, where they experienced the Nasi Mekdi set firsthand.
Among those present was 20-year-old Muhammad Syuwari Md Noh from Kolej Profesional Mara Indera Mahkota in Pahang, who described the initiative as meaningful and timely.
“I come from a B40 family and am raised by a single mother. So with this campaign, it helps ease some of the burden on me.”
Universiti Malaysia Perlis student Nurul Athirah Abdul Razab shared that she typically eats only twice a day to save money while studying, as she has other expenses to manage, including WiFi, mobile data and transportation.
“So this initiative really helps and gives us hope. We hope McDonald’s can continue organising programmes or offering more affordable meals in the future to support students, regardless of their background,” said the 23-year old.
The Program Santun Pelajar is envisioned as the groundwork for a wider support system. Drawing on its long-standing experience in nurturing young talent through initiatives such as the McDonald’s Vocational Academy, McDonald’s Malaysia aims to broaden its role from supporting students on campus to guiding them towards meaningful careers.
“Students today are the workforce and leaders of tomorrow. It is our responsibility to ensure that they are not held back by basic needs from realising their full potential,” said Azmir.
In time, the programme will expand to include greater career exposure, skills enhancement, vocational pathways and employability support, creating more opportunities to help students transition confidently from university to the working world.
