1.3 – University anti-poverty programmes

1.3.3 – Low-income 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.

UKM provides support in key areas such as food, housing, transportation, and legal services for students from low-income families to enable them to complete universities. This assistance is coordinated through the Welfare Unit at the Center for Student Affairs (HEP-UKM). Students can access detailed information about available support and resources on the HEP-UKM website or by visiting the office directly. UKM’s commitment to these programs underscores its dedication to helping all students achieve their full potential.

UKM’s commitment to SDG 1: No Poverty is clear through its comprehensive support programs, offering essential resources like food, housing, transportation and legal services. These initiatives address immediate needs and contribute to students’ long-term success. UKM is dedicated to expanding and improving these efforts to ensure all students can succeed, regardless of their financial situation.

HEP-UKM Website Link: https://www.ukm.my/hepukm/aktiviti-kebajikan/

1. 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 (USD 170) 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.

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.

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Student Association (PMFSSK) were preparing the food stock for food locker at FSSK, namely as Food Locker Programme

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

2. Housing Assistance

a)   Residential College Sponsorship  UKM provides financial assistance to low-income students who require housing support, ensuring they have a stable living environment that promotes academic success. In 2023, 42 students (RM47040) in need received full sponsorship for residential colleges through the Waqf and Endowment Room Programme. This initiative plays a vital role in alleviating the financial burden associated with accommodation costs.

b)   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 Kolej Ungku Omar, Kolej Aminuddin Baki, and Kolej Dato Onn. A total of RM200,000 (USD 42,467) has been allocated for upgrading these facilities, ensuring inclusivity and comfort for all students.

c)   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.

3. 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.

4. Literacy & 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).

5. 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.