UTM Launches Dapur Siswa MADANI, Distributes RM1.8 Million Zakat, Raya Aid

JOHOR BAHRU, March 3 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) today launched Dapur Siswa MADANI, an initiative aimed at helping students gain more systematic and continuous access to food, particularly among those from the B40 group and asnaf (those eligible for zakat).

UTM said the programme is the first of its kind to be implemented at a public university in the country, as part of efforts to address the rising cost of living faced by students.

“As an initial step under the Dapur Siswa MADANI, staple meals consisting of rice and other dishes will be provided to local B40 students at the UTM mosque, sponsored by the Zakat Unit of the UTM Islamic Centre, at designated times,” the university said in a statement.

The launch ceremony was held concurrently with the presentation of zakat and Aidilfitri assistance distribution, in conjunction with the UTM Khatam Quran and Iftar Perdana at Masjid Sultan Ismail, here, today.

Also present was Higher Education director-general Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azam, representing the Higher Education Minister.

The programme forms part of the Kembara KARISMA Pemimpin Muda MADANI for the Southern Zone, which brings together students from higher education institutions (IPTs) to strengthen leadership values, solidarity and student well-being.

In conjunction with the event, UTM also distributed RM1.8 million in zakat for 2025, as well as RM5,000 in Aidilfitri assistance, through the UTM Waqf Fund, benefiting the university’s asnaf students.

“The contribution aims to ease students’ financial burden in making preparations for Syawal, while ensuring the continuity of their studies remains safeguarded,” it said.

The UTM Khatam Quran and Iftar Perdana, which gathered about 2,000 students, including young leaders from higher education institutions in Johor, also received sponsorship support from the Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation and the Perkasa Siswa Foundation.

According to UTM, the organisation of the programme reflects the synergy between national leadership, higher education institutions and strategic partners in strengthening the student welfare agenda, as a pillar of the sustainability of the country’s higher education system.

--BERNAMA