Pekema Allocates RM220,000 to 11 Public Universities to Support Students in Need
Gerobok Rezeki Siswa initiative aims to assist B40 and underprivileged students with essential food supplies
PUTRAJAYA, March 5 — The Yayasan Persatuan Pengimport dan Peniaga Kenderaan Melayu Malaysia (Pekema) has contributed RM220,000 to 11 public universities in Malaysia to support students facing financial difficulties, particularly those from low-income households.
The contribution was channelled through the Gerobok Rezeki Siswa programme, which aims to provide food assistance and basic necessities to students from the B40 and asnaf groups while they pursue their studies on campus.
Pekema president Datuk Mohamed Nazari Noordin said each participating public university received RM20,000 under the initiative.
According to him, the assistance is intended to ease the financial burden of students who may struggle to afford daily meals due to limited financial resources.
“Through this programme, we hope to help students from B40 and asnaf backgrounds access food whenever they face financial constraints during their time at university,” he said.
He was speaking during the Gerobok Rezeki Siswa contribution presentation ceremony involving representatives from the 11 universities in Putrajaya.
Structured Collaboration With Universities
Mohamed Nazari explained that the initiative marks the first time the foundation has collaborated directly with universities to distribute aid in a more organised and systematic manner.
Previously, most of the assistance provided by Yayasan Pekema was channelled directly to individual students who applied for financial help.
Among the types of assistance provided in the past were tuition fee payments, laptop contributions and other educational materials.
However, the new approach involving universities allows the programme to reach a larger number of students in need.
“Before this, we mostly assisted students individually through applications for support such as tuition payments, laptops or study materials.
“Now, by working with the universities, we can ensure that the assistance is distributed in a more structured way and benefits more students,” he said.
Helping Students Cope With Rising Living Costs
The Gerobok Rezeki Siswa programme is also seen as a timely initiative as many students face increasing living costs.
For students from lower-income families, daily expenses such as food and essential supplies can become a significant challenge during their studies.
Through this programme, universities can provide accessible food support systems within campus environments, ensuring that students have access to basic necessities without compromising their academic focus.
The initiative also highlights the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment where student welfare remains a priority.
Continued Commitment to Community Welfare
Mohamed Nazari added that Yayasan Pekema remains committed to expanding its charitable programmes to assist communities in need.
Beyond supporting university students, the foundation regularly carries out welfare initiatives across the country.
In conjunction with the Ramadan season, Yayasan Pekema is also distributing RM720,000 in aid to asnaf groups and B40 families nationwide through its annual shopping raya programme.
The initiative helps underprivileged families prepare for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations.
According to Mohamed Nazari, such initiatives reflect Pekema’s broader commitment to contributing to social development and supporting those in need.
He also expressed hope that more private organisations and corporate entities would step forward to support initiatives that benefit vulnerable communities, including students pursuing higher education.
-wilayah.com.my
