The rising cost of living isn't just causing empty wallets. It is also causing empty stomachs among university students who cannot afford two meals a day, let alone three during certain periods of their study.

This is especially at the start and end of their semesters, when their loans and scholarship money have yet to be banked in.

Fortunately for those studying in public universities, their fellow students are taking matters into their own hands by starting a suspended meals programme, which encourages those better off to help, in advance, to pay for the meals of the others in need.

This help system is currently being practiced in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).

UIA basic welfare coordinator Abdullah Mohd, 22 ( photo ), said the programme has been running for two semesters.

Those who want to donate can pay for coupons worth RM2 or RM4 at Counter 11 of the UIA dormitory cafe.

Outsiders can also donate, through bank transfers.

The coupons will then be pasted on a notice board, for those in need to take.

"We are doing this programme based on trust. If they take the coupon, I trust that they're facing hardship.

"Friends tell me that there are those in our dormitories who don't have the money to buy food and only eat once a day. But they're too shy to tell people, so that's why we do this programme," Abdullah told Malaysiakini.

At UPM, the university has given out more than 100 packs of food under its 'Free meals for students' progamme.

The programme is a joint efforts by students and the university administration, using public donations.

"Our main objective is to ease the burden of the students, and we hope the (programme) can be continued. However, it all depends on public contributions," UPM registration officer Rafidah Sarudin said.

Those interested in helping out in the UIA programme can donate to Siti Hajar Mohamed Azahari thorugh the Bank Islam account 06 028 02 454735 7.

Those who want to donate to the UPM aid programme can transfer funds to Rafidah Sadarudin at the CIMB account 7002148012.