WAZAN UPM Implements Zero Hunger Program, Distributes Free Food Throughout Exam Season
By: Husnina Zahra Hadri
Photo By: Muhammad Syuqqree Mohd Dain
SERDANG, July 14 – The Centre for Management of Wakaf, Zakat and Infak (WAZAN), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), has implemented the Zero Hunger Program: ‘Free Meals Breakfast Dulu Before Exam’ to help students face the examination season more comfortably by providing free breakfast and lunch.
The program was attended by UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Ir. Dr. Abd Rahim Abu Talib, who officiated the breakfast distribution to students at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural and Arts Centre (PKKSSAAS).
WAZAN UPM Director, Haris Dahlan, said the program was conducted to ensure students do not take exams on an empty stomach, thereby helping them focus fully while answering their papers.
“Through this Zero Hunger program, we want to ensure that every student has access to food before entering the examination hall.
“In addition to providing breakfast, WAZAN also distributes lunch as soon as students finish their exams as part of our ongoing efforts to safeguard student welfare,” he said.
He added that the program received support from Tabung Haji (TH), which contributed approximately RM70,400 to fund food provisions for around 3,000 students throughout the duration of the program.
Meanwhile, Bachelor of Biotechnology Science with Honours student from the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (FBSB), Nur Sarah Izzati Mohamad Shahrel, said the program helped reduce students' financial burden, especially at the end of the semester.
“This program is extremely helpful because we don't have to worry about food before sitting for exams, especially for papers scheduled early in the morning.
“At the same time, we can cut down on daily food expenses, particularly towards the end of the semester when many students need to be frugal,” she said.
Another student, pursuing a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Technology with Honours from the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (FHAS), Muhammad Nurilman Kumar Muhammad Firdaus Kumar, noted that the initiative reflects the university's concern for student welfare.
“The breakfast provided allows us to enter the exam hall better prepared and fully focused on answering questions without having to worry about meals,” he said.
This program is part of WAZAN UPM's initiative to strengthen student welfare during the examination season, aligned with the university's efforts to ensure students' basic needs remain a priority.
Date of Input: 27/07/2026 |
Updated: 20/08/2026 | rizal_helmi
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