1.3 – University Anti-Poverty Programmes

1.3.3 – Low-Income Student Support

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is deeply committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 1: No Poverty. Recognising that financial challenges can impact academic success, UKM has implemented a variety of support programs to assist low-income students. These initiatives ensure that all students, regardless of their financial background, have access to essential resources that support both their academic and personal success.

UKM offers subsidies and provides support in critical areas such as food, housing, transportation, and legal services for students from low-income families, helping them complete their studies without undue financial strain. This assistance is coordinated through the Welfare Unit at the Center for Student Affairs (HEP-UKM), where students can find detailed information on available support, either on the HEP-UKM website or by visiting the office.

Through these comprehensive support programs, UKM demonstrates its commitment to SDG 1 by addressing students’ immediate needs and supporting their long-term success. UKM remains dedicated to expanding and enhancing these initiatives to ensure that all students can thrive, regardless of their financial situation.

Source: https://www.ukm.my/hepukm/aktiviti-kebajikan/

SUBSIDISED TUITION FEES

As a public university, UKM receives substantial support from the Malaysian government, which covers the majority of tuition fees for its low-income students. This government funding significantly reduces the financial burden on these students, requiring them to pay only a small portion of the overall education costs. This arrangement ensures that higher education remains accessible and affordable, reflecting the government’s commitment to advancing educational opportunities for all Malaysians.

For instance, while the total cost of a medical program at UKM is RM 267,270.00, low-income students only need to pay RM 12,400.00 for the entire study period. The Malaysian government shoulders RM 254,870.00 of the cost, covering approximately 95% of the program’s expenses. This targeted subsidy provides low-income students with access to quality medical education without facing prohibitive financial barriers. In contrast, in many other countries, the cost of medical programs is significantly higher and often fully borne by students, limiting access for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This initiative underscores Malaysia’s commitment to supporting low-income students in their pursuit of higher education and future aspirations.

The table below shows breakdown of education costs at UKM covered by student and government in year 2023:

Breakdown of Education Costs Covered by Student and Government

Program	Cost Borne By Low-Income Student (RM)	Cost Born By Government (RM)	Total Cost (RM)	Percentage of Cost Borne by Government (%)
Medicine	12,400.00	254,870.00	267,270.00	95.00
Statistics	7,520.00	80,632.00	88,152.00	91.00
Business Administration	5,340.00	52,875.00	58,215.00	91.00
Education	7,120.00	70,500.00	77,620.00	94.00

FOOD SUPPORT INITIATIVES

a)   Food Incentives

UKM has launched several food assistance initiatives to help ease the student burden among students. To ensure that students have consistent access to nutritious meals, UKM has established a food incentive program (Dompet Siswa UKM). Under this program, 1,000 students receive RM800 per semester, distributed through a specially designed mobile app, MyUKM. This app allows students to purchase food at designated campus cafeterias. This innovative approach not only guarantees daily access to food but also gives students the flexibility to choose their meals.

MyUKM mobile app enables students to use food vouchers for purchasing meals.

b)   Food Bank

The Food Bank initiative for students has a significant impact, particularly in alleviating food insecurity among students from low-income backgrounds, such as those in the B40 group. It ensures that students have access to nutritious meals, reducing their financial burden and enabling them to focus better on their studies. Additionally, it contributes to their overall well-being by preventing hunger and promoting a balanced diet. The initiative also fosters a sense of community support and can lead to improved academic performance due to reduced stress over basic needs.

Food Bank by Faculty of Science & Technology Student’s Association (PMFST).

c)   Community and CSR Involvement

UKM recognises the importance of community involvement and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the fight against poverty. The university actively collaborates with external organisations to strengthen the impact and sustainability of its poverty alleviation initiatives, fostering a spirit of generosity and support within and beyond the campus community.

On April 8, 2023, the UKM Student Association partnered with Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Belia Prihatin to distribute 100 food packages to eligible low-income students. This initiative, held at Panggung Seni, UKM provided essential support to students during the fasting month of Ramadan, ensuring they had access to nutritious meals for iftar (breaking the fast). Such collaborations reflect UKM’s commitment to addressing student welfare needs while engaging in meaningful community service.

This program not only addresses immediate food security concerns for low-income students but also emphasises UKM’s dedication to nurturing a culture of solidarity and mutual aid. By engaging in CSR efforts like these, UKM and its partners demonstrate the power of community collaboration in creating positive change.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

a)   Residential College Sponsorship  

UKM offers financial assistance to students from very low-income families in need of housing support, ensuring they have a stable living environment conducive to academic success. In 2023, through the Waqf and Endowment Room Programme, 42 eligible low-income students received full sponsorship for their residential college fees, totalling RM 47,040.00. This initiative is essential in reducing the financial burden of accommodation costs, allowing students to focus on their studies and personal development without the stress of housing expenses.

b) Residential College Subsidy

In addition to providing full housing scholarships for selected, eligible students from very low-income backgrounds, UKM offers subsidised residential college rates to make on-campus housing affordable for all low-income students. According to the Student Financial Guidebook provided by the UKM Student Housing Center (Page 13), students from low-income families benefit from a housing subsidy, paying a minimum rate of RM 3.50 per day, while full-paying students pay a minimum rate of RM 7.00 per day. This subsidy structure reflects UKM’s commitment to supporting students from low-income backgrounds with additional financial assistance, while maintaining affordable on-campus housing options for all.

Student Financial Guidebook:

c)   Support for Students with Disabilities (OKU)

UKM is deeply committed to addressing the needs of students with disabilities by offering accessible and accommodating dormitory facilities. The colleges involved in this initiative include Ungku Omar Residential College, Aminuddin Baki Residential College, and Dato’ Onn Residential College. A total of RM200,000 (USD 42,467) has been allocated for upgrading these facilities, ensuring inclusivity and comfort for all students.

d)   Student Home Repair Assistance

In addition to housing support, UKM offers the Student Home Repair Assistance program to help students and their families affected by disasters such as floods, fires, and property damage. This program reflects UKM’s commitment to empathy and support for its student community during challenging times.

TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT

a)   Free Shuttle Buses

UKM recognises the importance of reliable transportation for student life and ensures all students have access to free transportation within and around the campus. The university operates 21 shuttle buses that serve the campus community, providing a convenient and cost-free mode of transport for students.

b)   eScooter and Easy Wheel Bicycle Services

To further improve campus mobility, UKM has introduced sustainable transportation options such as eScooters and Easy Wheel Bicycles. These eco-friendly services are available at key checkpoints around campus, offering students accessible and environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.

c)   Government and Corporate Transportation Initiatives

UKM collaborates with government agencies and corporate partners to provide additional transportation support. Notable initiatives include the Student Bus Ticket Assistance by MAIWP and the FLYSiswa Initiative, both designed to reduce the financial burden of transportation for students.

LITERACY AND LEGAL AID CLINIC (KLBG)

The Literacy and Legal Aid Clinic (KLBG) of UKM is an initiative by the UKM Faculty of Law, aimed at fulfilling their social responsibility to the community, especially students, particularly those in need of legal consultations. The services offered by the KLBG cover all types of cases, whether in Civil Courts or Syariah Courts, including criminal cases. Legal issues presented to the KLBG are referred to a panel of consultants, consisting of UKM Faculty of Law lecturers and appointed lawyers. 

The KLBG also refers cases to relevant agencies that can provide legal assistance or related services. Additionally, it serves as a medium for spreading legal knowledge and awareness to the public through organising legal literacy programs. The KLBG has taken steps to expand its services by introducing mediation, counselling, and assistance to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). To strengthen its services, the KLBG has established strategic collaborations with several agencies, such as the Malaysia Legal Aid Department (JBG), the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association (PPMM), and the Family, Social, and Community Division of the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM).

FINANCIAL AID INITIATIVES

Through HEP-UKM and UKM Islamic Centre, UKM has established dedicated financial reserves to assist students in need in 2023. Key initiatives include:

• Student Wellbeing Moneybox: In 2023, with a budget of RM 1.6 million (USD 339,739), this fund has benefited 432 students.
• Zakat UKM: In 2023, totaling RM 6.823 million (USD 1,448,775), this initiative supported 8,381 students which consist of:
  • Fakir (extreme poverty): RM 1,811,477.85 (USD 420,870.60)
  • Miskin (poor): RM 2,419,830.68
  • Fi Sabilillah (charitable causes): RM 2,510,060.83 (USD 562,210.33)
  • Mualaf (new converts): RM 21,800.00 (USD 5,065.00)
  • Ibnu Sabil (travellers in need): RM 59,390.00 (USD 13,798.64)

• General Educational Aids: In 2023, the total aid provided by the Students Affairs Centre of UKM in collaboration with various agencies amounted to RM1,615,764.00 (USD 343,086), which included:
  • Bantuan Sewaan Kediaman: RM 1,472,400 (USD 342,090.86)
  • Bantuan Yayasan Bank Rakyat: RM 100,000 (USD 2,323.35)
  • Yayasan Pelajaran Mara (SDEP) by Ekuiti Nasional Berhad: RM 25,000 (USD 5,808.46)
  • Lotte Foundation Scholarship: USD 4,000

This initiative highlights the financial support provided to students in need, contributing to their educational and living expenses.