Helping struggling students: UUM rolls out MADANI food assistance initiatives
ALOR SETAR: Recognising the growing pressure of living costs on students, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has launched the Dapur Siswa MADANI and MADANI ResQ Pek initiatives to ensure students in need receive timely food assistance.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said the programme is designed to support students facing food insecurity, especially with limited food bank resources and the reluctance of some students to seek help publicly.
Through a targeted distribution system and collaboration with student residential leadership, assistance is channelled directly to affected students.
UUM Student Affairs Dean Assoc Prof Dr Zainuddin Omar said the initiative reflects the university’s moral responsibility in safeguarding student welfare, adding that around 800 students are expected to benefit.
He expressed hope that the programme will enable students to concentrate on their studies with peace of mind, while setting a benchmark for more innovative student welfare management in the future.