Food Bank @ UniMAP A Proactive Move To Strengthen Student Welfare

ARAU, April 7 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) has taken proactive measures to strengthen student welfare by implementing Food Bank @ UniMAP, which assists students in coping with the rising cost of living.

UniMAP vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Zaliman Sauli said the initiative is the university's responsive approach to safeguard the basic needs of UniMAP students, particularly in uncertain economic conditions.

"This pre-launch is the beginning of the implementation of a more systematic and student-friendly Food Bank @ UniMAP, including the use of a matrix card scanning system for a more organised and targeted aid distribution,” he said.

He said this after officiating at the pre-launch of the Food Bank @ UniMAP and the launch of the Cost Savings and Prudent Lifestyle Campaign here today.

He added that the initiative would be expanded to all residential colleges by the end of May, at the latest, to ensure more comprehensive access to aid for the university's students, especially those in the B40 and asnaf groups.

He said that UniMAP has also introduced food aid coupons worth RM50 for eligible students, which is expected to benefit over 9,000 students as an immediate measure to ease the burden of daily expenses.

"This coupon can be used in stages, with a limit on daily usage to encourage students to manage their finances prudently, and will be given to students within the next two weeks,” he said.

Zaliman said these efforts are also in line with the government's aspirations, under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to strengthen the agenda of student well-being at institutions of higher learning.

"UniMAP is not merely about educating, but ensuring no student is left out in terms of welfare and basic needs,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zaliman said the launch of the Cost Savings and Prudent Lifestyle Campaign is aimed at shaping students who are more resilient, including encouraging optimal use of campus facilities and the practice of vehicle sharing to save costs.

-- BERNAMA