USM Initiatives to Improve Access to Basic Services for All
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to uphold its commitment to community well-being by organising training and outreach programmes that directly improve access to basic services for all, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations. Conducted throughout 2024, these directly supplied initiatives enhanced access to essential health, food, and water services, supporting inclusive growth and community resilience in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Health Access for Local, Special Needs, and Refugee Communities
USM strengthened its health outreach and education through directly supplied community-based programmes addressing hygiene, preventive care, and inclusive health awareness. On 31 July 2024, Pusat Sejahtera USM, in collaboration with the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), held a Community Health Programme for children from the Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PPDK). Medical and nursing students conducted practical demonstrations on oral hygiene, handwashing, and disease prevention, helping children adopt healthy habits while building trust between USM and local communities.
For the special needs community, the Pusat Transformasi Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) USM implemented Latihan Pekerjaan OKU Melalui Projek Pertanian Bersepadu on 17 December 2024, led by Dr. Mohd Zulkifli Abdul Rahim. The programme provided 24 participants with integrated agricultural training and entrepreneurial guidance, supported by ENOKU with tools and materials to facilitate learning. This initiative improved access to rehabilitation-based vocational services and promoted self-sufficiency for persons with disabilities.
Extending its outreach to displaced communities, USM’s Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) and Pusat Sejahtera organised a Dental Health Awareness Programme on 16 July 2024 for Rohingya refugee children at the Rohingya Education Centre, Penang. The session, led by Dr. Radieah Mohd Nor, offered free dental education and preventive care to refugee children, ensuring access to fundamental oral health services for a highly underserved group.
Together, these directly supplied programmes demonstrate USM’s holistic approach to improving access to health and rehabilitation services, bridging social gaps, and advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Water Access and Environmental Awareness
On 25 May 2024, USM participated in the Penang State-Level World Water Day 2024 Celebration at Bukit Dumbar Recreational Park, jointly organised by Water Watch Penang (WWP) and the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). The event promoted equitable access to clean water under the theme “Save Water for Penang 2030.”
USM’s School of Humanities and River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC) showcased the BIOECODS sustainable water management system, a national pilot project that integrates ecological drainage technology to support public access to safe and sustainable water resources.
Campus-Based Food and Nutrition Access
In addressing food insecurity and nutrition access, USM implemented several directly supplied campus-wide initiatives throughout 2024.
The Moreh Giveaways and Breakfast for Good programmes provided free meals during Ramadan and semester periods to ensure that no student began the day hungry. The Communication Foodbank and Foodbank@PPTI distributed weekly food supplies and hygiene kits to students from low-income households. The long-standing Iftar@USM programme delivered 2,000 to 3,000 meals daily across multiple campuses during Ramadan, supported by staff, students, and local volunteers.
These directly supplied programmes play a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to nutritious food, reinforcing social solidarity, and supporting the SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) agenda.
