Kuala lumpur: McDonald's Malaysia has expanded its Santun Pelajar Programme to 75 higher learning institutions (IPT) nationwide, aiming to distribute one million Nasi Mekdi vouchers by the end of the year to assist students in managing the increasing cost of living.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the company announced that the programme, which initially covered 20 institutions, has been broadened through stronger collaboration with universities to ensure the aid reaches students in need. Melati Abdul Hai, McDonald's Malaysia's senior vice-president and chief impact officer, emphasized the company's dedication to supporting students amid financial challenges.
"The Santun Pelajar Programme reflects our commitment to continue supporting students at higher learning institutions as they cope with rising living costs. We believe access to necessities such as food plays an important role in ensuring students remain focused on their studies and achieve their full potential," she said.
In the programme's second phase, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) was chosen as one of the initial locations for the symbolic handover of Nasi Mekdi vouchers at the tertiary education level. Over 13,000 vouchers have been allocated to students identified as needing assistance, with the distribution carried out in partnership with UTHM's Student Affairs Office and Student Representative Council.
UTHM board member Ir Ts Dr Abdul Rahman Bahasa expressed gratitude for McDonald's Malaysia's support, stating, "The university welcomes and appreciates McDonald's Malaysia's initiative in supporting the welfare of our students. Through this programme, implemented together with UTHM's Student Affairs Office, we can ensure that food security and students' daily well-being remain a priority, which is important in supporting their academic performance and emotional well-being on campus."
From April 20 to December 31, each participating institution will receive Nasi Mekdi vouchers to distribute to eligible students identified by their respective Student Affairs Offices. Previously, the Santun Pelajar Programme facilitated the distribution of 50,000 Nasi Mekdi meals to students nationwide during Ramadan this year.
The initiative complements McDonald's Malaysia's ongoing youth development efforts through the McDonald's Malaysia Vocational Academy and industrial training opportunities, focusing on enhancing skills development, employability, and career prospects for young individuals. The company stated that the programme will continue to expand in stages to build a more comprehensive support ecosystem encompassing basic needs, employability, and future development.