USIM students turn to MADANI foodbank as cost-of-living crisis bites

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

USIM’s Foodbank Dapur Siswa MADANI Expands Aid to Ease Student Living Costs as Cost-of-Living Pressures Mount

The Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) has launched a Foodbank Dapur Siswa MADANI initiative to provide essential food supplies to financially struggling students, aiming to alleviate the burden of rising living costs during their studies.

The program, aligned under the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), is coordinated by the Student Affairs Centre (PHEP) in collaboration with the Student Representative Council (MPP), with additional support from faculties, the Zakat and Waqf Centre (PWZ), the Islamic Centre, and the Student Housing Centre (PRUPEL).

The initiative seeks to ensure universal access to basic food items for students facing financial hardship, reducing daily expenses so they can focus on academics and personal development. Ahmad Rifqie Mohd Yusri, the Honorary Deputy Treasurer of MPP, stated that the foodbank addresses disparities in students’ financial backgrounds, ensuring those in need can easily obtain essential supplies.

"We recognize that every student comes from different financial circumstances, and this initiative aims to help those struggling with costs access basic food items more conveniently," he said.

The foodbank operates under MPP’s oversight, managing food distribution, monitoring stock levels, and disseminating information to eligible students. Rifqie emphasized that the aid is designed to reduce daily financial stress, allowing students to prioritize academic excellence and self-growth. "Most importantly, we hope this initiative will help produce more well-rounded graduates—those who are financially stable, morally upright, and capable of achieving academic and personal success," he added.

The program encourages responsible usage among students in need while urging the broader campus community to foster a culture of mutual support. Rifqie noted that future improvements—such as expanding food variety, optimizing stock management, and enhancing accessibility—will be implemented based on university approvals, funding, and student requirements.

For Malaysia, the initiative reflects growing concerns over student affordability, particularly as inflation and economic pressures squeeze household budgets. With higher education costs rising, such institutional support systems become critical in ensuring equitable access to education. The next steps involve sustaining and scaling the foodbank’s operations, with potential replication across other public universities under KPT’s broader social welfare framework.

Related: Ahmad Rifqie Mohd Yusri