KPDN, GPS To Enhance Cooperation To Expand Food Bank Siswa - Armizan

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) will continue to strengthen its collaboration with the Student Consumer Movement (GPS), to further drive the implementation of the Food Bank Siswa programme across higher learning institutions nationwide.

Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said GPS, as the representative of student voices, will play a more active role in expanding the programme, particularly in institutions of higher learning (IPT) which have yet to implement it.

He said that, to date, a total of 195 GPS units have been established across public and private institutions of higher learning, university colleges, community colleges and Institutes of Teacher Education (IPGs).

“At the same time, KPDN will also strengthen the role of GPS as one of the key stakeholders in supporting the ministry’s functions, particularly in addressing cost-of-living challenges.

“In addition to their consumer advocacy role, GPS will take on a more active role in mobilising the Student Food Bank programme,” he said, in a statement, today.

According to Armizan, KPDN, through the Food Bank Malaysia Secretariat, has been implementing the Food Bank Siswa initiative since 2019, to help students access essential food supplies.

He said one of the programme’s key objectives is to incorporate food rescue and redistribute surplus food to students in need.

Currently, 32 higher learning institutions, nationwide, are participating in the programme, including public and private universities, IPGs and polytechnics.

He said that, as of Oct 31, the Food Bank Siswa initiative has received contributions from 148 entities, including food manufacturers, retailers, hotel chains and non-governmental organisations, benefiting 51,200 students in need.

Armizan added that the resolutions presented during the Food Bank Malaysia Convention 2025, on Dec 8 and 9, will serve as key inputs for KPDN in formulating the National Food Bank Action Plan 2026–2030.

“Apart from supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, this action plan represents a transformation of the Malaysian Food Bank programme, and forms part of the strategies underpinning the Fourth Pillar of the 13th Malaysia Plan, namely Improving People’s Well-being and Environmental Sustainability,” he said.

-- BERNAMA