PETALING JAYA: The government has allocated funds totalling RM5mil for varsity students under the newly launched Malaysian Family Student Welfare Foundation (YKSKM), says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       The Prime Minister said this was based on the government's concern, sensitivity and continued commitment to students.

       "The Malaysian Family Student Welfare Foundation will channel assistance to students who are in need.

       "The foundation, which falls under the Prime Minister’s office, shows the government's concern for the welfare of students following the Malaysian Family concept of inclusion, togetherness and gratitude.

       "These funds, which will be channelled through the Finance Ministry, is a sign of the government's support in ensuring the continuity of operations and achieving the foundation’s goals," he said during the virtual launch of the Foundation on Friday (Oct 29).

       Ismail Sabri said the YKSKM would collaborate with existing channels and foundations within institutions of higher learning to facilitate assistance to students who were in need.

       He reminded agencies and parties involved to simplify and expedite complete applications received from students so that assistance could be provided immediately.

       "As in a family, every member who is in difficulty needs to be helped and these noble values should be practiced by every student.

       "The trust rests on the shoulders of student representative councils in particular and in every student as well, to ensure that no friend who is in need is left out.

       "To carry out this endeavour, I call on all students to adhere to the principle of togetherness regardless of religion, race and ethnicity," he added.

       Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the establishment of the YKSKM was in line with the ministry’s sixth strategic focus, which was to enliven the spirit of #KPTPrihatin.

       The YKSKM, she said, would be a medium for management and coordination of activities and distribution of student welfare aid funds at a national level.

       "YKSKM also complements the aspiration to strengthen governance and improve the efficiency of welfare-related affairs and student well-being across HEIs.

       "It is my hope that the establishment of the YKSKM will truly help ease students’ burden, especially those who are less privileged.

       "I am committed to empowering and expanding this initiative’s horizons from time to time by strengthening its funding sources to ensure the sustainability of its implementation later on," she added.