Kuala lumpur: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has extended the Menu Rahmah initiative to all cafeterias in its residential colleges (Desasiswa) to help ease the financial burden of students, particularly those from the B40 group. Vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed stated that the initiative would ensure access to quality meals at affordable prices, a crucial step in supporting students facing financial challenges.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, USM is upgrading its Food Bank to include more essential items to assist students experiencing financial hardship. Prof Abdul Rahman emphasized the university's efforts to seek support and contributions from external parties, especially corporate organizations, to further alleviate the students' financial burdens.

A special committee has been established to identify both short- and long-term initiatives aimed at assisting students impacted by the rising cost of living. Students in urgent need are encouraged to contact the Welfare and Persons with Disabilities Unit under the Student Development Affairs and Alumni Division (BHEPA). Additionally, Zawain USM is providing targeted aid through a dedicated fund to support this demographic.

Prof Abdul Rahman also highlighted the university's commitment to continuing and strengthening targeted assistance for B40 students to shield them from the direct impacts of current cost increases. BHEPA, in collaboration with the Student Representative Council (MPP), is conducting a study to assess essential services and expenses affecting students, including food prices, printing services, e-hailing fares, and daily necessities. The findings will help USM formulate more appropriate measures and revise its long-term action plan.

USM has also reminded cafeteria operators to refrain from raising prices, as they remain bound by existing contract terms. Furthermore, the university is reviewing rental rates for on-campus business premises to prevent further price hikes.