KOTA KINABALU: Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib has urged non-governmental organisations and government-linked companies to continue backing Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Dapur Siswa initiative to help ease daily food costs for underprivileged students.
Speaking during a visit to the student kitchens on Friday, James Ratib said contributions in the form of food supplies or financial aid could make a practical difference, particularly for students from rural backgrounds facing rising food prices.
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He said the programme focuses on providing essential staples, especially rice, which is prepared by student volunteers and distributed free, while students may add their own side dishes or purchase them from nearby cafeterias.
The Dapur Siswa kitchens operate at Tun Fuad and Tun Mustapha residential colleges at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, where nearly 3,500 students can also use the facilities to cook their own meals.
UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor said the initiative, formalised in November, will be expanded to other campuses including Labuan, with extended operating hours and safety measures, while James also contributed RM30,000 to support its sustainability.
