Healthy and Affordable Food Choices

UMPSA is committed to providing healthy and affordable food options for all students and staff on campus. The university implements a variety of measures to ensure that food services align with nutritional standards while remaining accessible to all.

1. Cafeteria Services and Nutritional Standards
The Students Service Centre, Student Affairs & Alumni Department, oversees the healthy execution of catering services at UMPSA. The centre ensures that meals meet the necessary nutritional standards for calories, protein, and other essential nutrients, as outlined in the Food Tender Technical Specifications. This ensures that all food offered is balanced and promotes the well-being of students and staff.

2. Campus Pantry
The UMPSA Campus Pantry’s mission is to alleviate food insecurity and Food among UMP students by providing emergency food to UMPSA students in need. Under Foodbank Malaysia Programme, UMPSA collaborate with Tesco, Giant, AEON Co, AEON Big, NSK, Hero Market,  Econsave, TF Value, 99 Speedmart,  My Family Store,  SegiFresh,  Mydin,  LuLu, UMPSA Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP) and Kelab Penyayang UMPSA, provides retord food and other essential food such as bread, biscutes cereal and others.

3. Dapur Siswa Program (Students Pantry Program)
Dapur Siswa was introduced as part of the Zero Hunger initiative, aimed at assisting students in need. A total of 38,000 retort food packs are allocated every year to B40 students and those eligible. Students can apply through the eCommunity Pelajar and receive the eKupon Kasih on the ADAB APPS, which can be redeemed at the Campus Pantry in Gambang and Pekan.

4. Food Scholarships and Meal Support
The Student Affairs & Alumni Department of UMPSA, through the UMPSA Campus Pantry, has launch of the E-Kupon Kaseh (RETOT) Program. This program aims to assist students in need by providing vouchers to receive free retort food packs.

Eligible students can apply through the e-coupon system by accessing the following pathway:

E-COMMUNITY > WELFARE > E-COUPON SYSTEM > NEW APPLICATION

5. People's Income Initiative (IPR) 

The People’s Income Initiative (IPR), introduced under the 2024 Budget by the Ministry of Economy, continues to be implemented in 2026 to support B40 and hardcore poor families. At UMPSA Pekan, students only recently began using the vending machine located between the RP5 Office and MPP Office, especially after the opening of He & She Coffee. The IPR vending machine now offers sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and local community-produced chips. It supports payments via debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and cash, providing quick and convenient access to food for students and staff.

Work Station, Pekan Campus	Work Station, Gambang Campus

6. Accessible Campus Cafeterias

UMPSA operates 20 active cafeterias and cafés across its Gambang and Pekan campuses, providing affordable and nutritious meals for students and staff. At Pekan Campus, there are 9 cafeterias, including 2 premium and 7 standard lots, while Gambang Campus has 11 cafeterias, comprising 2 premium and 9 standard lots. All cafeterias are conveniently located near student residences, faculties, and the Student Service Centre, ensuring easy accessibility for everyone. Menus include vegetarian options to cater to diverse dietary needs, reflecting the university’s commitment to inclusive and healthy dining choices.

7. Fair and Affordable Meals at Campus Cafeterias

Campus cafeterias at UMPSA offer meals at reasonable and student-friendly prices to ensure affordability for the campus community. Food operators are required to clearly display menu prices, including item descriptions and quantities, in compliance with regulations set by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). Following recent monitoring visits and inspections, emphasis has been placed on transparent price display to protect consumer rights and prevent overcharging. Cafeteria operators have been reminded to comply strictly with pricing regulations and maintain clear labelling at all times. Through regular monitoring, internal checks, and collaboration with relevant authorities, UMPSA ensures that food prices remain fair, transparent, and accessible, while maintaining satisfactory standards of quality, hygiene, and service for students and staff.

Periodic inspection by University Health Centre	Inspection by District Health Office, Kuantan

8. Healthy Beverage Options – Access to Drinkable Water
UMPSA ensures access to healthy beverage options by providing safe drinking water throughout the campus. The University Health Centre also conducts periodic inspections at campus cafeterias to ensure that hygiene standards are consistently maintained and complied with. Free, potable water is available in all dining areas and cafeterias. The water is regularly tested and monitored for compliance with the Malaysian drinking water standards. Students and staff can access safe, drinkable water at designated drinking stations across the campus, which is an integral part of UMPSA’s commitment to offering healthy and sustainable food and beverage options. In addition, UMPSA collaborates with the District Health Office (PKD) Kuantan to inspect campus cafeterias and ensure compliance with established food hygiene and safety standards. Students and staff can access safe, drinkable water at designated drinking stations across the campus, reflecting UMPSA’s commitment to offering healthy, safe, and sustainable food and beverage options.

9. Monitoring and Feedback

UMPSA values student and staff feedback to continuously improve cafeteria services. All requests, complaints, comments, and suggestions regarding food quality can be submitted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through a QR code–based feedback system. This feedback system ensures that food services remain responsive to the needs of the UMPSA community. By implementing these initiatives, UMPSA demonstrates its commitment to promoting health, wellbeing, and a positive campus dining experience.