This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on January 11, 2016.

KUALA LUMPUR: As reports of university students going hungry increase, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said those who are cash-strapped can make use of food aid programmes and part-time work opportunities provided by the ministry and the institutions.

In a Facebook posting, he said student welfare is a main concern of the ministry and education institutions involved, which have taken steps to lighten the students’ financial burden through the formation of National Higher Education Fund Corp, Kad Siswa, Tabung Zakat and Khairat fund.

He said food coupons, prepaid meals and a “pay it forward” scheme that allow more privileged students to pay for the meal of needy students, are part of the efforts.

Work opportunities in campus to earn between RM3 and RM10 per hour as tutors or in a cafe — as well as aid for tuition, clothing and items — are also provided.

He said the efforts include creating an entrepreneur development programme to equip students with income-generating skills and forming a student welfare committee.

“These efforts are carried out at various levels, including student residences, student representative associations and welfare clubs.

“At the very least, I believe lecturers and classmates would help those who are in need.

“These efforts do not include opportunities to work part-time out of campus,” Idris said in his post.

His suggestions came after recent media reports highlighted cases of students falling ill from starving themselves due to financial difficulties.

In one case, a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia student was reportedly hospitalised for intestinal ulcers, allegedly due to a poor diet from sustaining herself on only RM30 per week. — The Malaysian Insider