PUTRAJAYA: Campus food stall operators at public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) will be given rent moratorium for six months beginning this month, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad today.
In a statement, she said the move was to lower the operating cost of the food operators so that they can maintain the prices of food sold to students in view of the rising prices of goods.
Noraini also announced a quality food menu at a ceiling price of RM3.50 for each order under the Keluarga Malaysia Student Food Basket initiative, in line with the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Ismail Sabri today said the government will roll out Keluarga Malaysia Menu at cooperative restaurants, cafeterias as well as food outlets at public universities as an alternative for target groups to obtain meals at a affordable cost.
Noraini said the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) was also empowering the Student Food Bank and Food@Campus at IPTA with the cooperation of various ministries, non-governmental organisations, corporate companies and private bodies.
She said the ministry also agreed with the proposal of the National Students Consultative Council to form a Keluarga Malaysia Student Livelihood Action Committee to be chaired by her.
The committee would also coordinate and implement policies, monitor price control of goods and services, and form collaborations with stakeholders holistically.
It was also supported at the institution level via the committee chaired by the vice-chancellor, rector or director of a university to streamline the implementation of policies made at the ministry level, she said.
"MOHE is always concerned and vigilant towards the welfare of students in IPTA to ensure that the learning and teaching sessions throughout their studies run smoothly," she said.
Noraini said the transportation facilities for students in and out of campus would also be improved with the provision of a frequent schedule to facilitate and save time for students' daily activities. -- Bernama