UUM Launches Dapur Siswa, MADANI ResQ Pek To Aid Students Struggling With Rising Costs

ALOR SETAR, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has launched the Dapur Siswa MADANI and MADANI ResQ Pek initiatives to support students grappling with rising living costs amid mounting economic challenges.

UUM Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said the initiatives were part of the university’s efforts to help students struggling to access meals.

“The campus foodbank can’t reach every Inapan Siswa (Inasis) and some students are shy about taking from it. So, UUM is providing help directly to those who need it through the Dapur Siswa MADANI and MADANI ResQ Pek.

“We are following what other universities are doing, like Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), which uses the retort programme. The principal of Inasis even visited the university to see how it’s done,” he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Martadha stressed that university administrators need to take a proactive role in looking after students’ welfare.

“Parents send their children to university hoping they will be well taken care of. I want everyone to commit to ensuring that students in need receive proper attention and support. If they don’t come to us, we will go out to find them and help.

“The philosophy of going directly into the field has become standard practice for university administrators, regardless of their background or rank. We need to work together to support students, and I hope this initiative continues to ensure their welfare is well looked after,” he said.

Meanwhile, UUM Student Affairs Dean Associate Professor Dr Zainuddin Omar said the programme organised by the Welfare, Health and Safety Bureau and the Inasis Principals’ Council aims to create a more systematic and sustainable food security network for the UUM student community.

“This programme is not just about giving food assistance; it reflects the university’s responsibility to care for the overall well-being of students. By providing these nutritious and balanced food packs, we hope students can focus fully on their studies without worrying about their basic needs.

“I am confident that with financial support through the Student Living Allowance Account, around 800 target students will benefit, setting an example for more innovative approaches to student welfare in the future,” he said.

--BERNAMA