SINTOK, 1 January 2026: Amid the rising cost of living and an increasingly challenging economic climate, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has introduced the Dapur Siswa MADANI (MADANI Student Kitchen) and MADANI ResQ Pek UUM initiative to provide targeted food assistance to students in need.
UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, emphasised that the initiatives were introduced not merely as goodwill gestures, but as a structured interventions to address food insecurity among students.
According to him, the existing campus Foodbank, while beneficial, was insufficient to meet demand across all student residential halls (Inasis). In addition, some students were reluctant to utilise the Foodbank due to feelings of embarrassment.
s such, UUM has adopted a more targeted approach by identifying specific groups eligible for direct assistance through the MADANI Student Kitchen and MADANI ResQ Pek UUM programmes.
“We have drawn inspiration from best practices implemented by other universities, such as Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), particularly its retort-based food programme.
“UUM has also sent principal of Inasis to observe the implementation firsthand. The university’s commitment to student welfare is collective and inclusive, involving all levels, from top to bottom, including the Student Representative Council (SRC) itself,” he said when officiating the launch of the MADANI Student Kitchen and MADANI ResQ Pek UUM at Inasis Proton this morning.
He further expressed hope student welfare issues should never be trivialised, urging the university administration to process applications for assistance swiftly and without any delay.
According to him, it is the duty of university administrators to fully discharge their responsibilities, as the university remains the primary custodian of its students’ welfare. Parents entrust their children to the institution with the expectation that they will be cared for in best possible manner.
“As we enter 2026, I expect the full commitment of all parties to ensure that students in need receive the attention and support they deserve. If they do not come forward, we must take the initiative to reach out, go to the ground, and extend assistance to them.
” The philosophy of engaging directly on the ground has become a guiding practice for university administrations, regardless of background or rank, as a reminder of our accountability beyond this world. Therefore, let us stand shoulder to shoulder in supporting these students, and ensure that this innovation is sustained to safeguard their welfare,” he said.
In an effort to realise the implementation of this programme, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), through the UUM Zakat and Waqf Centre, has allocated approximately RM70,000 for the procurement of two retort machines, which are advanced food packaging technologies capable of preserving food for up to two years.
Notably, cooks will be appointed from villages surrounding UUM, particularly Bukit Tangga, while students will also be engaged as volunteers and trained in the food packaging process.
Meanwhile, the Dean of Student Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr Zainuddin Omar, said that the programme, organised by the Welfare, Health and Safety Bureau in collaboration with the Inasis Principals’ Council, aims to establish a more systematic and sustainable food security network for the UUM student community.
He explained that the initiative goes beyond ad hoc food assistance and represents the university’s moral responsibility to safeguard the holistic well-being of its students.
According to him, the provision of nutritious and balanced food packs is intended to enable students to focus fully on academic excellence without being burdened by concerns over basic needs.
“I am confident that with financial support channelled through the Student Living Aid Account, a total of 800 targeted students will receive significant benefits, setting an example for more innovative student welfare management in the future,” he said.
There was also a handover session of MADANI ResQ Packs to Inasis representatives, which was presented by the Vice Chancellor.
Also in attendance were the Assistant Vice-Chancellor of UUM CAS, Prof. Dr Osman Ghazali, the President of UUM SRC, Mr. Muhammad Syahmi Iman Muhammad Rezal, as well as deans and principals of student residential halls.
