Kuala lumpur: McDonald's Malaysia today launched the 'Santun Pelajar' programme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting students of institutions of higher learning (IPT) facing difficulties in accessing basic necessities during their studies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme targets the distribution of one million food packs to students in need by the end of 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen food security among the student community. For the initial phase, 50,000 food packs are being distributed in conjunction with the month of Ramadan.

McDonald's Malaysia Managing Director and Local Operating Partner Datuk Azmir Jaafar stated that the initiative was introduced to assist IPT students affected by the rising cost of living. He highlighted that the programme is implemented based on feedback and various studies, including a 2020 study by the Nutrition Society of Malaysia titled Financial Problems Associated with Food Insecurity among Public University Students in Peninsular Malaysia. The study found that 60 per cent of public university students face food insecurity, a deeply concerning issue.

Also present at the launch were Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Director (Higher Education Division) Siti Aminah Abdul Kadir, McDonald's Malaysia Senior Vice-President and Chief Impact Officer Melati Abdul Hai, as well as lecturers and student representatives from participating institutions.

Azmir added that under the initial phase, McDonald's Malaysia has handed over Nasi Mekdi vouchers to representatives from 20 IPTs in 11 states. The vouchers allow students to redeem meals every Monday to Friday at selected outlets near their campuses from February 19 to March 10. The vouchers can be redeemed between 9 pm and midnight to help avoid peak-hour congestion. The selection process for the assistance is fully managed by the Student Affairs Department of the respective institutions, based on established data and allocated quotas.

Azmir highlighted that the company has committed an estimated RM5 million for the long-term implementation of the programme, funded through operational efficiencies and supply chain optimisation. The goal is to expand this programme to 75 IPTs nationwide, ensuring that the cost of food is no longer a barrier for students to focus on their studies.

Meanwhile, a student from Kolej Profesional MARA Indera Mahkota, Pahang, Muhammad Syuwari Md Noh, 20, described the initiative as a lifeline for students facing financial hardship. He shared that sometimes students only eat once a day, and some even skip meals due to financial constraints. He appreciated the effort as it helps ease their burden. Nurul Athirah Abdul Razab, 23, from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), echoed similar sentiments, stating that the programme helps reduce her overall spending amidst the high cost of campus life.