If you studied in higher education institutions from 2012 to 2017, then you’d definitely remember the Kad Diskaun Siswa 1Malaysia or 1Malaysia Student Discount Card (KDS1M).
Introduced by the government back then to ease the financial burden of students, as it comes filled with a certain amount of money credited by the government.
An earlier version of the card allows you to purchase education-related items in selected stores and get discounts in others. Meanwhile, a later version of the card was also a debit card which you can use to make purchases or withdraw money from ATMs.
So, why are we mentioning something that’s no longer available? Well, because it just may rise up from the dead soon as the government is considering re-introducing the initiative.
As reported by BERNAMA, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said that a discount card similar to KDS1M may be re-introduced in an effort to alleviate the burden of higher education institution students and safeguard their welfare.
Salahuddin said that he would be holding talks with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) on the matter soon.
This is because the matter is beyond his ministry’s jurisdiction and needs to be made in collaboration with the other two mentioned ministries. Salahuddin asserted,
“This is because it is outside my jurisdiction but the idea can be extended as many Rahmah (aid) programmes are implemented for these students such as food menu priced under RM5.
“These programmes are held to make it easier for them to get food at their universities and there is even a “food bank’ for those who need to get certain items for free,”
So, what do you guys think of a potential return of a discount card for higher education institution students by the government? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: UMT UMNO Student Club Defends Concert-Like Event After Receiving Flak From PAS Youth Council
