By: Muhammad Ayob Ibrahim & Noraihan Noordin

UPM SERDANG, 15 January 2025 – The UPM Student Affairs Department (BHEP) held an engagement session with cafeteria vendors at the UPM Senate Hall to strengthen student welfare. The discussion focused on the "Menu Rahmah" and "Menu Siswa Rahmah" initiatives, a program in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) that provides nutritious meals at RM3.50 to ease the living costs of students, especially those from the B40 group.

The session also covered the enhancement of the Putra Voucher, a food aid for UPM students from B40 families, which can be used at selected cafeterias through a mobile application. A briefing on Food Preparation and Premises Hygiene was also provided to the vendors to ensure the quality, cleanliness, and food safety standards on the UPM campus.

This engagement session involved the UPM Waqf, Zakat, and Infaq Management Centre (WAZAN), the Bursar’s Office, the University Health Centre (PKU), the Occupational Safety and Health Management Office (OSH UPM), and the Information and Communication Development Centre (iDEC) UPM.

According to records, there are currently 45 food vendors at UPM offering services across various areas such as residential college zones, faculties, and others. This engagement session with all the vendors serves as an initial step to ensure all stakeholders and BHEP reach an agreement in supporting student well-being.

BHEP takes student welfare seriously and aims to ensure that no student goes hungry throughout their studies. BHEP also encourages all vendors to provide "grab and go" meals for breakfast, promoting a culture where students can have breakfast before attending their classes. "Grab and go" meals provide convenience for students to stop by the cafeteria and head directly to their lectures. This effort reflects UPM's commitment to making student welfare a top priority for the university.

Date of Input: 20/01/2025 | Updated: 21/01/2025 | noraihan