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| KUALA LUMPUR: University students have welcomed the Higher Education Ministry's forthcoming Menu Kasih Siswa initiative, describing it as a timely move to address rising food costs on campuses.
Nur Daliana Abdul Rahman, 23, said the initiative reflects awareness of students' financial struggles.
"At least the government is aware that students are struggling with the cost of living, but it depends on how it is implemented.
"I would like to see simple but filling food like chicken rice, basic rice sets, fried noodles or 'nasi bujang', as well as healthier options."
Nur Daliana Abdul Rahman says the Menu Kasih Siswa initiative reflects the government's awareness of students’ financial struggles. Pic courtesy of Nur Daliana Abdul Rahman
Nurul Faizah Ahmad Nussuki, also 23, said affordable set meals could help students manage daily expenses if properly implemented.
"Students would benefit from balanced rice sets, as well as affordable options like sandwiches, noodles or porridge," she said.
Nurul Faizah Ahmad Nussuki says affordable set meals could help students manage daily expenses. Pic courtesy of Nurul Faizah Ahmad Nussuki
Nurul Yasmin Rosli, 24, said basic items such as rice, flour and eggs should also be considered, while 22-year-old Nik Muhammad Iqbal Zul'karnain said the initiative could help students access more balanced meals.
"Students often rely on cheaper, less nutritious food due to cost," said Nik Iqbal.
Nik Muhammad Iqbal Zul’karnain says the Menu Kasih Siswa initiative could help students access more balanced meals. Pic courtesy of Nik Muhammad Iqbal Zul’karnain
The students also highlighted rising food prices.
"Chicken rice used to be RM5 to RM6, but now it's RM7 to RM8. Basic rice is now RM8 to RM9," Daliana said.
"At my campus, chicken rice increased from RM6 to RM7.90," said Nik Iqbal.
Yasmin, meanwhile, said a meal could cost around RM8 now, but the portion is smaller.
Nurul Yasmin Rosli says meal portions are smaller now due to rising costs. Pic courtesy of Nurul Yasmin Rosli
The students said the increase has affected their spending, with some cutting back on food.
"The government or universities can provide subsidies, vouchers and more budget meal options, as well as control prices at campus cafes," said Daliana.
Yesterday, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir had said the government would launch 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.
He had 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, he had added, 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. |
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