Kuala lumpur: Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) has taken proactive measures to strengthen student welfare by implementing Food Bank @ UniMAP, which assists students in coping with the rising cost of living.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, UniMAP vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Zaliman Sauli stated that the initiative is the university's responsive approach to safeguard the basic needs of UniMAP students, particularly in uncertain economic conditions. "This pre-launch is the beginning of the implementation of a more systematic and student-friendly Food Bank @ UniMAP, including the use of a matrix card scanning system for a more organised and targeted aid distribution," he said.
He made these comments after officiating at the pre-launch of the Food Bank @ UniMAP and the launch of the Cost Savings and Prudent Lifestyle Campaign. He further mentioned that the initiative would be expanded to all residential colleges by the end of May, at the latest, to ensure comprehensive access to aid for the university's students, especially those in the B40 and asnaf groups.
Additionally, UniMAP has introduced food aid coupons worth RM50 for eligible students, expected to benefit over 9,000 students as an immediate measure to ease the burden of daily expenses. "This coupon can be used in stages, with a limit on daily usage to encourage students to manage their finances prudently, and will be given to students within the next two weeks," he said.
Zaliman emphasized that these efforts align with the government's aspirations, under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to strengthen the agenda of student well-being at higher learning institutions. "UniMAP is not merely about educating, but ensuring no student is left out in terms of welfare and basic needs," he added.
Meanwhile, Zaliman highlighted that the launch of the Cost Savings and Prudent Lifestyle Campaign aims to shape students who are more resilient, encouraging the optimal use of campus facilities and the practice of vehicle sharing to save costs.