Unimas provides larder cupboards for low income students
So far in Unimas, we have not come across an issue where students had to be really frugal because we are quite receptive and every time there is a problem, we will immediately give aid before it gets worse.
MIRI: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak ( Unimas) has larder cupboards in strategic locations around campus to assist students from low income families.
Unimas deputy vice- chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Prof Datu Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman said the initiative by the Student Representative Council and supported by the university seeks to ensure students, particularly from poor B40 families, have enough to eat.
Mohd Fadzil said there are currently 534 undergraduates from B40 families or 4.37 per cent of the total 12,217 students.
“So far in Unimas, we have not come across an issue where students had to be really frugal because we are quite receptive and every time there is a problem, we will immediately give aid before it gets worse,” he said when contacted by The Borneo Post recently.
He added there is also a welfare fund for students with financial difficulties.
Prof Datu Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman, Unimas deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni)
Mohd Fadzil was responding to reports that some B40 students at Universiti Malaya were reportedly going hungry.
He added Unimas had also been instructed by the government to implement the Foodbank Malaysia programme.
“Through this Foodbank, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with retailers, will get raw materials and dry food where, for example, there are a few months before expiration but it’s still safe to eat and supply directly to public universities.
“The raw materials will be cooked by the university and will be distributed to the students, while the ready- to- eat food will be placed on the shelves for students to take. The type of food is dependent on what is provided by the suppliers – universities should just provide pantry and refrigerator facilities to store the supply,” he explained.