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Koleksi Khas Digital
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KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry will introduce Menu Kasih Siswa, a student-centric evolution of the previous Menu Rahmah initiative, aimed at ensuring food and beverage prices remain affordable at campuses nationwide.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the move was necessary to safeguard student welfare, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds struggling with the rising cost of living.
The initiative is aimed at the country's vast higher education landscape, which encompasses 20 public universities, 372 private higher education institutions, 36 polytechnics and 106 community colleges.
Speaking to reporters after the Celik Madani event at Menara Merdeka 118 today, Zambry said the call for price monitoring followed recent dialogues with student leaders from various Student Representative Councils (MPP) who raised concerns about the cost of meals at several institutions.
"I have requested that public universities monitor this closely through their respective vice-chancellors. For the private sector, we have notified them to take the current economic situation into account and ensure cafeteria operators do not simply raise prices," he said.
Zambry expressed concern over reports of cafeteria operators at certain private campuses charging standard market rates without considering the financial capacity of their students.
He said, while some private institutions cater to international or high-income groups, many state-owned private institutions and some by government-linked companies, such as Multimedia University and Universiti Teknologi Petronas serve a large number of students from low-income families.
"The name 'Menu Kasih Siswa' was chosen because it is gentler and more focused on the students. I am confident that our universities already have their own welfare programmes, but this will ensure student well-being is prioritised collectively," he added.
Addressing the issue of stubborn contractors or cafeteria operators who refuse to adjust their prices, Zambry said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Higher Education Department.
While the ministry aims for a collaborative, two-way discussion with operators, he issued a warning to those who refuse to cooperate.
"We will ensure they understand that the ministry is making this request based on necessity. If they refuse to cooperate with us, they should be aware that there are other areas where they require cooperation from the ministry.
"At the end of the day, our priority is the welfare of all parties, especially our students," he said.
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