2.3 – Student hunger

2.3.4 – Healthy and affordable food choices

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is committed to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious and affordable meals, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. Recognizing the increasing cost of living and its impact on students, UKM has introduced several initiatives to provide healthy and affordable food options at all food outlets on campus. One such initiative is the introduction of the Menu Siswa Rahmah, which has been instrumental in reducing the financial burden on students while ensuring they have access to balanced and nutritious meals.

Summary of the affordable food options

No	Affordable food options
1	Menu Siswa Rahmah
2	Affordable Food Choices At Dataran Makan@FSSK
3	Affordable food choices at PUSANIKA UKM

1. Menu Siswa Rahmah

In response to the rising cost of living and the growing financial challenges faced by students, the Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia has introduced the Menu Siswa Rahmah which is fully supported by the UKM. This program offers affordable and nutritious meals at just RM3.50 for the lunch menu which is white rice, chicken or fish dishes, vegetables and gravy or soup, while dinner is fried rice and fried egg. The beverage is also included.

The menu can be enjoyed by all UKM students at all cafeterias in Bangi campus. Previously spending at least RM50 per week on food, students anticipate significant cost savings with the Menu Siswa Rahmah. Estimates suggest a potential halving of monthly food expenses, allowing student stores to direct those funds towards academic materials or other necessities.

The program’s success extends beyond affordability. UKM students also praise the menu’s emphasis on providing high-quality and nutritious meals, ensuring they can maintain a balanced diet while enjoying significant cost savings.

According to Malaysia’s Department of Statistics, lunch prices in Bangi, Ulu Langat district differ from the Menu Siswa Rahmah with similar lunch items offered at UKM, even though they’re in the same district. The table below shows the price differences between the similar lunch items in UKM Bangi and Ulu Langat.

Lunch items	Prices of lunch items (RM)
	UKM	Ulu Langat district
Plate of white rice, chicken and vegetable	3.50	8.00
Drink		1.75
Total	3.50	9.75
Differences	UKM lunch items in Menu Siswa Rahmah is RM6.25 cheaper than the average lunch price in the Ulu Langat district
This average market price of the lunch items in Ulu Langat was released in December 2024 by the Department of Statistics, Ministry of Economy. (https://open.dosm.gov.my/dashboard/consumer-prices)

The market price for a lunch menu below (left picture) consisting of white rice, chicken and vegetables in the Ulu Langat district is RM8.00, while the beverage (right picture) is priced at RM1.75. Therefore, the total price for both items is RM9.75, which is RM6.25 higher than the price of the Menu Siswa Rahmah provided at UKM, which is RM3.50.

This initiative is available in all food outlets in all UKM campuses, ensuring that all students, regardless of their location,can benefit from affordable and nutritious food choices.

2. Affordable Food Choices At Dataran Makan@FSSK

Dataran Makan@FSSK, located at Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK), UKM, is a popular dining area among students and staff, offering a variety of affordable and delicious food options. The food court provides an array of choices that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a convenient spot for budget-friendly meals on campus.

One of the main attractions of Dataran Makan@FSSK is its affordable prices, making it an ideal choice for students looking for budget-friendly meals. The diverse menu includes local and international cuisines, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western dishes, ensuring there is something for everyone. Additionally, vegetarian and halal options are available, making the food court inclusive for all dietary needs. Its strategic location within FSSK allows students and staff to enjoy their meals conveniently without having to travel far.The food stalls offer a variety of popular dishes, including Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice), where diners can select from multiple side dishes, Mee Goreng & Laksa, Western-style meals such as chicken chop and pasta and lighter options like Roti Bakar & Sandwiches. To complement the meals, refreshing drinks and desserts like fresh juices, bubble tea,and local kuih are also available.

3. Affordable food choices at PUSANIKA UKM

PUSANIKA UKM is dedicated to providing healthy and affordable food choices for students and staff, ensuring access to nutritious meals that support overall well-being and academic performance. With a wide selection of balanced and wholesome food options, PUSANIKA aims to promote healthier eating habits while maintaining budget-friendly prices. PUSANIKA helps create a sustainable and student-friendly dining experience on campus.

PUSANIKA UKM serves as a one-stop center offering a variety of food options, convenience stores, and essential services, including Sen Teppanyaki Restaurant, eMart Convenience Store, Malay Restaurant Coffee, and ATMs, providing convenience and accessibility for students and staff on campus. With a focus on quality, variety and accessibility, PUSANIKA UKM continues to be a key hub for healthy, affordable and convenient food options, supporting the daily needs of the university community.

Another nutritious and affordable food option for UKM students is the Hot Meal Bar café, located in the Pusanika building. The café offers a range of Chinese Muslim dishes, with its signature item being mee tarik (hand-pulled noodles) alongside various other menu selections. In addition, UKM students enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases, making it one of the budget-friendly dining choices on campus. 

UKM’s initiatives to provide healthy and affordable food choices on campus have significantly strengthened student food security and supported overall well-being. Through programmes such as Menu Siswa Rahmah, affordable dining options at Dataran Makan@FSSK, and diverse food offerings at Pusanika, students are able to enjoy nutritious meals at prices substantially lower than market rates, easing financial pressure and reducing the risk of hunger. By offering balanced menus, discounted student pricing, and a variety of culturally inclusive and healthy food options—including vegetarian and halal choices—UKM ensures that all students can access wholesome meals that support academic focus and physical health. These efforts not only alleviate cost-of-living challenges but also cultivate a supportive and inclusive campus environment, aligning strongly with SDG 2: Zero Hunger and reinforcing UKM’s commitment to student welfare and sustainable food systems.