Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad officiated the FOOD@CAMPUS Malaysian Family 2.0 initiative at the lobby of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in Putrajaya today.
This initiative has been implemented since 2021 in line with the government’s efforts in empowering undergraduates.
It is as outlined under the Malaysia Education Development Plan 2015-2025 to produce holistic, entrepreneurial and balanced students.
Among the objectives of the FOOD@CAMPUS Keluarga Malaysia initiative is to help alleviate the daily food expenses of students from the B40 group.
In a statement, the MOHE said that the addition of the food welfare initiative is done through the contributions from welfare funds and relevant agencies.
During the ceremony, Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini presented a mock cheque amounting to RM1 million via the Malaysian Family Student Welfare Foundation.
“This contribution is to be given to public universities, polytechnics and community colleges to ensure the sustainability of this initiative,” the statement said.
Also launched was a competition to create the logo for the Malaysian Family Student Welfare Foundation, as one of the platforms to shape more ‘creativepreneurs’ among the students.
Meanwhile, the loan amount of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) can be considered for an increment, to meet the needs of students of Public Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTA).
This is to counter the rising cost of goods and other living expenditures.
However, any decision will be made by the government after holding discussions with PTPTN and the ministry.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Dr Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad said his party is aware of the situation, especially for students from low income families.
“We will look into the matter,” he said while inspecting food prices at the cafe of Harun Aminurrashid Residential College at Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) in Tanjung Malim.
He said the MOHE will set up a special committee to monitor the cost of living among IPTA campus residents who now have to bear the increase in food prices. The special committee will be led by students and assisted by the university management.
It will be established by August in preparation for the admission of new students and the arrival of campus residents who are furthering their studies.
by Rosli Mansor
