Khaled: Menu Rahmah in IPTS soon

KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts are underway to serve Menu Rahmah in higher learning institutions soon, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The Higher Education Minister said his ministry is currently working with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to realise the plan.

It will especially benefit students from the B40 group.

“Both ministries are currently in talks over the matter, and I think it will be no problem for universities under the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) to provide space for this programme,” he told a press conference following the prelaunch of UCSI University’s international campus in Bangladesh here yesterday, according to Bernama.

On Tuesday, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said people can now enjoy lunch and dinner for RM5 per meal at nearly 15,000 food outlets nationwide through the Menu Rahmah initiative.

Meanwhile, when asked if MOHE will work with the private sector to provide accommodation for students to take care of their welfare, Mohamed Khaled said the ministry and the Finance Ministry (MOF) are looking for creative and innovative ways to finance the provision of hostels on campus.

“MOHE always strives to provide more space for students to stay on campus, but it takes time, given the government’s financial situation. But MOF and MOHE understand this problem,” he said.

Commenting on yesterday’s event, Mohamed Khaled said the establishment of the UCSI University campus in Bangladesh is in line with the internationalisation plan highlighted by MOHE.

“The UCSI University Bangladesh will raise Malaysia’s status as a global education hub, and I commend UCSI for this post-pandemic initiative. I encourage more private universities to follow the same path,” he said.

The UCSI University Bangladesh in Dhaka will commence operations in May, offering 24 degree and master’s programmes in business, computer science, engineering, architecture, social sciences and design.

The campus is expected to have around 5,000 students within seven years.