The Education Ministry has formed special task forces or "flying squads" at the national, state and district levels to monitor the cleanliness, safety and security aspects in all schools nationwide.

Announcing this today, Deputy Education Minister Hon Choon Kim said their main task presently was to send periodic reports on the level of cleanliness of school canteens and food poisoning cases to the ministry.

"I hope the squad can be mobilised immediately. If the schools did not follow what we had told them, the squad should report it to the state education director and the ministry's School Division," he was quoted by Bernama as saying.

No compromise

Hon said the ministry viewed seriously problems relating to students' health and safety, and wanted all measures to be taken to prevent any untoward incidents.

"We will not compromise with dirty canteen operators. Generally, schools must always be clean, safe and secured.

"I hope all school authorities monitor the cleanliness of their schools according to the directive contained in the manual. Action will be taken on headmasters and principals who do not follow instructions," he said.

Hon added that the ministry planned to set up a joint committee with the Health Ministry to ensure the cleanliness of food and drinks served at school canteens.