THE MADANI Student Kitchen (Dapur Siswa MADANI), an initiative introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education, is aimed at safeguarding student welfare amid the rising costs of living and increasing financial pressures faced by university students.
The programme provides free meals to students experiencing financial hardship.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensure students’ basic needs are met while they pursue their studies, and that economic difficulties do not affect their daily well-being and academic focus.
The initiative was officially launched at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) during a ceremony attended by students and university representatives.
The university’s commitment to ensuring that no student is left behind in receiving the assistance they need was commended as a model of student-centred support.
Speaking at the launch, Zambry stressed that students facing financial difficulties should not suffer in silence or feel embarrassed to seek help.
Instead, they are encouraged to reach out to their respective universities, which offer various support mechanisms and remain ready to assist those in need.
“No student should have to skip meals, endure hunger, or sacrifice basic needs simply to continue their education.”
“Students should be able to concentrate on learning and developing their potential, while every effort is made to ensure their welfare is protected,” he said.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts under the Malaysia MADANI framework to create a more inclusive and caring higher education ecosystem, where no student is left to face hardship alone. – June 10, 2026
