Malaysia expands Dapur Siswa MADANI to support hungry students at all polytechnics

At the closing ceremony of the KARISMA Higher Education Young Leaders Convention 2026, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir said the Dapur Siswa MADANI programme will be rolled out across all polytechnics and teacher-education institutes, with each institution tailoring facilities to its own capacity. Options may include self-service kitchens or group-cooking spaces, and food will be distributed to students facing financial hardship.

No specific beneficiary quota was announced; the priority is universal access for those who require assistance. Zambry highlighted his recent campus visits to assess readiness, aligning with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s emphasis on student welfare. The scheme, part of the RM20 million allocation in Budget 2027, also introduces the Menu Kasih Siswa meals priced as low as RM5. Officials from Sultan Idris Education University and the Higher Education Leadership Academy were present at the event.