UMS’ Dapur Siswa Initiative Helps Underprivileged Students Access Basic Food Supplies

KOTA KINABALU, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- The Dapur Siswa initiative introduced by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) provides basic food supplies to students, particularly those from underprivileged and rural backgrounds.

Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib said the initiative helps ease students’ financial burden amid rising food prices, thereby reducing their cost of living while pursuing their studies.

He said UMS has so far established Dapur Siswa facilities at the Tun Fuad Residential College and Tun Mustapha Residential College, benefiting more than 3,500 students.

“This initiative ensures that students with limited financial resources have access to basic food items such as rice. Volunteers selected by UMS prepare these items, while students may also bring their own raw ingredients to cook,” he told reporters after visiting the Dapur Siswa facility at Tun Mustapha Residential College here today.

James also welcomed contributions from non-governmental organisations and government-linked companies to support the sustainability of the initiative, adding that the state government would continue to assist efforts to expand the programme.

He said he had contributed RM30,000 as an initial donation to the programme.

Meanwhile, UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor said 80 students have been appointed as volunteers to operate the Dapur Siswa facilities at the two residential colleges on a scheduled basis.

He said the initiative, introduced in November last year, will be expanded to other residential colleges, including those at the Labuan and Sandakan campuses.

“UMS will also establish Dapur Siswa facilities at Tun Ahmad Raffae Residential College, which houses more than 3,000 students,” he said.

According to Kasim, the facilities operate from 6 am to 12 midnight and are equipped with closed-circuit television cameras to ensure safety and prevent misuse.

-- BERNAMA