School canteens to remain open during Ramadan, minister assures

With the fasting month just around the corner, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has assured that school canteens will continue operating during Ramadan.

However, schools must provide proper guidance and education for non-Muslims to understand their Muslim peers’ need to fast in Ramadan, she said.

"Canteens must be opened, secondly there must be education related to civility and respect, especially in schools that have non-Muslim students.

"So the educational process to instil understanding and respect for one another is very important," she told reporters at a school in Puchong, as students enter their first day of school for the 2024/2025 session.

Fadhlina said that respect should be a two-way street to create a healthy understanding among the students and teachers.

"So I think in that process, teachers have the experience to manage any issues or in terms of respect, it should be given by all parties," she added.

Previously, Bernama reported that Fadhlina had advised school canteen operators to continue operating throughout Ramadan even if the school has less than 10 percent non-Muslim students.

She said this is because not all Muslim children are required to fast, especially at an early age, in addition to respecting non-Muslims during Ramadan.

Fadhlina said this when asked about the recommendation of Persatuan Pengusaha Kantin Sekolah Malaysia not to open school canteens during the month of Ramadan if the schools have less than 10 percent non-Muslim students.

Reports quoted association secretary-general Siti Normah Md Desa as saying that the Education Ministry should leave the decision whether to open school canteens based on the considerations of school administrations and canteen operators according to the needs of students.

She said that if the school canteens remain open, operators have to bear the operating costs which cannot be covered by the sales value obtained.

'Operate canteens even if non-Muslim students less than 10pct'

Minister: No need to close school canteens during Ramadan

COMMENT | Is there a need to force children to fast in schools?

COMMENT | Well done, Fadhlina!