Kota Kinabalu:Gerakan Pengguna Siswa (GPS) is being encouraged to expand as a key platform to enhance awareness, volunteerism, and support among university students, as stated by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the minister emphasized the movement's role in addressing cost-of-living challenges, benefiting students through initiatives like the Ihsan Food Bank Initiative (i-FB) at higher education institutions.

He highlighted the importance of empathy and care among students, which are integral to GPS's mission through i-FB, aligning with its pillars of Community Care, Environmental Care, and Food Rescue. This was shared in conjunction with the Consumer Advocacy in Youth Activism Programme and i-FB Grant Presentation at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah, attended by over 1,000 students.

Currently, there are 196 GPS groups across the country, including 34 in Sabah, with 56 groups implementing i-FB at their respective institutions, seven of which are in Sabah. The network is viewed as a potential platform for enhanced cooperation among students, educational institutions, the private sector, and the ministry's partners to sustain the i-FB initiative.

Through i-FB, students are becoming advocates for a culture of care and mutual support, which helps them focus on their studies despite facing difficulties. The programme also encourages discussions on cost-of-living issues and promotes consumer advocacy within campus communities.

The minister expressed gratitude to the Sabah Youth Council, UiTM Sabah, and strategic partners for their collaboration, hoping these efforts will empower students to become informed and responsible consumers who actively support their peers' welfare.