USM Expands Menu Rahmah Initiative, Enhances Food Bank To Aid Students

GEORGE TOWN, July 11 (Bernama) -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has extended the Menu Rahmah initiative to all cafeterias in its residential colleges (Desasiswa) to help ease the financial burden of students, particularly those from the B40 group.

Vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the initiative would ensure access to quality meals at affordable prices.

He said the USM Food Bank is also being upgraded to include more essential items to support students facing financial hardship.

“USM is also actively seeking support and contributions from external parties, especially corporate organisations, to help reduce the students’ financial burden,” he said in a statement today.

A special committee has also been set up to identify short- and long-term initiatives to assist students affected by the rising cost of living.

Abdul Rahman said students in urgent need can contact the Welfare and Persons with Disabilities Unit under the Student Development Affairs and Alumni Division (BHEPA), while Zawain USM is also providing targeted aid through a dedicated fund.

“Targeted assistance for B40 students will be continued and strengthened to ensure they are not directly impacted by current cost increases,” he said.

He added that BHEPA, in collaboration with the Student Representative Council (MPP), is conducting a study to assess essential services and expenses affecting students, including food prices, printing services, e-hailing fares and daily necessities.

Findings from the study will help the university formulate more appropriate measures and revise its long-term action plan.

USM has also reminded cafeteria operators not to raise prices, as they are still bound by existing contract terms, and is reviewing rental rates for on-campus business premises to prevent further price hikes.

-- BERNAMA