End poverty in all its forms everywhere
SDG 1 Indicator
1.3 – University Anti-Poverty Programmes
1.3.4 – Bottom Financial Quintile Student Support
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is deeply committed to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty. Understanding that financial difficulties can hinder academic success, UKM has established several programs to assist low-income students. These initiatives are designed to ensure that all students, regardless of their financial background, have access to the essential resources needed to excel in both their studies and personal lives.
HOUSING RENTAL SUPPORT INITIATIVE
The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) provided Housing Rental Assistance for 1,227 selected low-income students at the UKM Kuala Lumpur Campus, with a total contribution of RM1,472,400.
This assistance was made possible through a collaborative effort between UKM and MAIWP, aimed at alleviating the financial burden on students, especially given the higher rental rates in Kuala Lumpur. The mock cheque was presented by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Senator Dato’ Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na’im Haji Mokhtar, and received by the Vice-Chancellor of UKM, Prof. Dato’ Gs. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ekhwan Haji Toriman. In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor expressed heartfelt gratitude to MAIWP for their invaluable support, underscoring UKM’s commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of economic background, have access to a conducive living environment while pursuing their education.
PROGRAM JEJAK ANAK WATAN
In Malaysia, low-income households are categorized under the B40 group, representing the bottom 40% of income earners. UKM has implemented several programs specifically designed to provide financial aid to B40 students in Malaysia, including the “Program Jejak Anak Watan,” which is an annually held, on-programmed initiative. In 2023, the Jejak Anak Watan Program welcomed 25 prospective UKM students selected from various states across the Central Zone, North, South, and East Coast. During this visit, the Vice-Chancellor also handed over financial aid and a ‘Bakul Rahmah’ to Nur Fatehah and her family at their home in Kampung Rinching Hilir, Bangi.
Nur Fatehah, the third of five siblings, was the first in her family to receive an offer to pursue university studies, enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts with Honors (History) program at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK). A STPM graduate from Kampung Rinching Hilir, Bangi, Selangor, she chose UKM as her first choice, inspired by her late father, a former UKM employee. Through the Jejak Anak Watan program, UKM demonstrated its commitment to student welfare by providing RM1,000 (USD 230.39) in financial assistance and a Rahmah Basket worth RM200 (USD 46.07). This aid, funded by the UKM Zakat Fund and the Student Affairs Center of UKM (HEP-UKM) Welfare Fund, was delivered directly through home visits to prospective students.
Facebook Link to Program Jejak Anak Watan (Press Release): https://www.facebook.com/share/p/f7iQAZygfDXZFo3k/
Facebook Link to Program Jejak Anak Watan (Press Video): https://www.facebook.com/share/v/ApNHWV9ebTybHNB8/
PROGRAM PEMBANGUNAN SISWA SULUNG (SULUNG) 2.0
One of UKM’s flagship initiatives is the Malaysian Family Student Development Program (SULUNG) 2.0, which collaborates with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and began in 2022, continuing into 2023. (has been rebranded as Program Jejak Anak Watan to cover B40 families) This project highlights UKM’s role in the government’s efforts to eradicate poverty. UKM has awarded nearly 800 scholarships to deserving students, ensuring that those from B40 backgrounds receive the financial support needed to complete their studies, reflecting UKM’s commitment to poverty eradication.
UNIVERSITY OUTREACH TO END POVERTY AMONG JAHAI INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
On 18th to 20th August 2023, The Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), UKM, in collaboration with Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia (YFBM), successfully organised the 66th Merdeka Adventure Community Program at Royal Belum, Gerik, Perak. The program was led by YBhg. Prof. ChM. Dr. Ishak Ahmad (Faculty of Science & Technology, UKM) and Mr. Johan bin Halid from Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia.
This program aimed to engage with and provide dry food aid to the indigenous community. Among the activities organised by FST & YFBM was the distribution of 5.7 tons of food supplies and stationery to 250 indigenous families from the Jahai Indigenous Community living in the villages of Sungai Tiang, Sungai Klewang, Sungai Kejar, and Sungai Tan Hain. In celebration of the independence month, the handover ceremony was enlivened with patriotic songs to instil a sense of patriotism.
Additionally, the Centre for Modelling and Analysis (DELTA) agreed to partner with YFBM to establish a collaboration for analysing food bank community data in support of the Sustainable Development Goals SDG1 (No Poverty) and SDG2 (Zero Hunger).
The pictures show In Royal Belum, Perak, representatives from UKM and Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia (YFBM) joined hands for the Kembara Merdeka 66 program, distributing essential supplies, including food and stationery, to the indigenous Jahai community; the event, marked by patriotic spirit with the Malaysian flag, reflects a heartfelt commitment to support and uplift underserved communities while fostering unity and solidarity during Malaysia’s independence celebration.
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, totalling 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 (USD 554,667.70)
- 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: RM 17,449.36 (USD 4,000)
This initiative highlights the financial support provided to students in need, contributing to their educational and living expenses.
