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For some university students, getting a degree means juggling classes and assignments with hangouts and outings with friends
For others, though, pursuing tertiary education comes with an additional burden of finances, with some even worrying about whether they have enough money for their next meal.
That is the reality for Muhammad Ammar, Mohamad Aiman, and Nur Alya Nadhirah, three Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) students who have found different ways to manage student life on a tight budget.
Ammar, a third-year Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (Tourism) with Honours student, said he sometimes ate once a day due to financial constraints
"There were times when I had to eat less because I was worried that my money would not be enough. Usually, I would only eat once a day.
"But with the vouchers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at least I can have two meals on those days," he said, referring to the Nasi Mekdi vouchers offered through Program Santun Pelajar Mekdi.
The savings give him more room to pay for study materials and unexpected expenses. As a member of UMK's Student Representative Council (MPP), Ammar tries to help other students who are in the same boat by sharing info and connecting them to university support.
For Ammar, graduating would mean becoming the first graduate in his family and giving back to his parents for their sacrifices. His father works as a lorry driver while his mother is a housewife. Her advice to finish his studies remains one of his biggest motivations.
As for Aiman, a first-year Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (Wellness) with Honours student, he takes on part-time jobs to ease the burden
His father works as a labourer and is the family's main breadwinner, while his mother is a housewife. Knowing that his father's income is also needed to support his two younger siblings, Aiman rarely asks his parents for money unless he really needs it.
After graduating, he hopes to gain work experience and build a stable income so he can eventually share the responsibility of supporting his family.
To supplement his own current expenses, Aiman takes on labouring jobs during semester breaks or whenever he has free time. So for him, even one free meal can make a difference.
"With the Nasi Mekdi vouchers, I can save a little on my dinner expenses and keep that money for the following day," he said.
Alya, a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (Wellness) with Honours student, has also learned to be independent while pursuing her degree
Her father works as a bus driver while her mother is a housewife. Not wanting to add to her family's financial burden, she works part-time at a kiosk selling budget rice to students.
The Nasi Mekdi vouchers help reduce some of her daily food expenses, but Alya said she was also grateful simply to know that students like her were being considered.
"Alhamdulillah, I feel grateful and happy because these vouchers help reduce some of my expenses as a student. I also feel appreciated knowing that there are people who understand and take into consideration the needs of students like us," she said.
"Insya-Allah, helping others has always been one of my dreams. If I am given the opportunity and ability, I want to help those in need, especially by contributing towards their basic needs," she said.
For most people, a free meal may not seem like much. But for Ammar, Aimna, and Alya, they've shown how a simple meal can make a difference in so many ways.
At UMK, 8,000 Nasi Mekdi vouchers have been allocated to students. Across Kelantan, the Program Santun Pelajar involves five higher education institutions, with a total of 54,800 vouchers to be distributed to students in need.
As part of a separate initiative during McDonald's Malaysia's Corporate Zakat Handover Ceremony in Kelantan, Ammar, Aiman, and Alya also received laptops alongside 12 other UMK asnaf students to support their studies.
The Program Santun Pelajar, which began in February 2026, has since expanded to 75 higher education institutions nationwide, with more than 400,000 vouchers distributed so far and a target of up to one million vouchers by the end of 2026
Managing director and local operating partner of McDonald's Malaysia, Dato' Haji Azmir Jaafar, said the programme aims to ease some of the daily challenges faced by university students.
"We believe no student should have to choose between attending class and having a proper meal. Through the Program Santun Pelajar, we want to help ease some of the daily challenges faced by university students so they can focus on their education, continue their studies with greater confidence, and realise their potential," he said.
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