ALOR SETAR, 11 February 2026: In response to the rising cost of living faced by students, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has launched the “Dapur Siswa MADANI” and introduced a ready-to-eat food product, MADANI ResQ Pack UUM. The initiative was unveiled during a ceremony held in conjunction with the university’s Top Leadership MADANI Thinker Charisma Programme at the Grand Alora Hotel today.
The launch was officiated by the Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that student welfare remains a national priority.
Unlike a conventional kitchen model, the “Dapur Siswa MADANI” at UUM has been developed as a high-tech centralised facility utilising retort technology. This food processing method applies high pressure and temperature to extend shelf life while preserving safety, quality, and nutritional value.
Chairman of the UUM Student Residential Hall Principals’ Council, Dr Mohd Abidzar Zainol Abidin, explained that the kitchen not only caters to students’ daily food requirements but also serves as the official production centre for the MADANI ResQ Pack UUM.
“This kitchen will be further strengthened as a central production hub before distribution to 16 student residential halls across the campus in the near future. The concept is based on a ‘grab, reheat and eat’ approach, allowing students to simply collect the food pack, heat it, and enjoy a convenient and practical meal,” he said.
Through retort technology, meals are sealed in specially designed packaging that allows for extended storage without the need for additional preservatives. This approach enhances operational efficiency while ensuring systematic adherence to food safety standards on a large scale.
To support the distribution system, 16 satellite kitchens will be established at each student residential hall. These facilities will be equipped with microwave ovens, dining areas, sinks, and storage shelves to accommodate the MADANI ResQ Pack UUM.
Students identified as requiring assistance will be able to obtain the food packs discreetly and with dignity, in line with the university’s commitment to ensuring that no student experiences food insecurity throughout their academic journey.
Carrying the slogan “Tak Lapaq Dah,” the MADANI ResQ Pack offers a complete and balanced meal designed to help students focus on their studies without the added burden of worrying about daily sustenance.
Meanwhile, UUM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed stated that the initiative reflects the university’s broader role that is it not only serves as a centre of academic excellence, but also as an institution committed to safeguarding the welfare of its campus community.
“When students’ basic needs are met, they are better positioned to focus on their academic pursuits and personal development,” he said.
The ceremony also included the symbolic presentation of MADANI ResQ Packs to five students.
Also present were Chairman of the UUM Board of Directors, Tan Sri Dr Mazlan Yusoff; Deputy Secretary-General (Policy), Ministry of Higher Education and Member of the University Board of Directors, Dato’ Dr Haji Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian; Director of the National Leadership Division, Malaysian National Academy (AKM), Mr. Mohd Khailani Ismail; and members of the university’s top leadership.
With the establishment of the “Dapur Siswa MADANI” as a centralised retort-based facility, supported by a network of satellite kitchens across all student residential halls, UUM has further reinforced its commitment to comprehensively strengthening student welfare in a sustainable and impactful manner.
