MMA strongly opposes brewery, tobacco donations to schools

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed profound concern and strong opposition to schools accepting donations from brewery and tobacco companies.

In a statement today, its president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said allowing such contributions would send a harmful message to the youth and undermine efforts to promote a healthy learning environment.

While some schools may be in desperate need of funding, Azizan said the line should be drawn on who they can accept donations from.

“The government must ensure that national and vernacular schools are well supported with sufficient funding.

“Investing in education and talent should be among the nation’s highest priorities.

“It is saddening to hear that many schools are still underfunded, leaving them little choice but to seek donations from the private sector,” Azizan (above) said today.

Last Sunday, a charity event organised by SJK(C) Tche Min in Sungai Pelek, Selangor, courted controversy after it was found that Tiger Beer was one of the donors.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu officiated the event, which Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Lwi Kian Keong also attended.

While the Education Ministry said it would investigate the matter, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh criticised Selangor PAS for stirring up the issue, accusing the party of distorting facts and inciting the emotions of the Malays.

Aiman also lashed out at her detractors over her participation in the event, labelling them as “hypocrites”.

Yesterday, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said the matter was raised at the weekly cabinet meeting and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek will clarify the issue.

This comes after it was reported that Chinese vernacular schools have been given an exemption to ministry guidelines on school funding.

Bad influence

Azizan asserted that the influence of alcohol and tobacco on young minds cannot be underestimated.

By accepting donations from these industries, she said schools risk normalising substance use among students, undermining efforts to cultivate good habits and healthy lifestyles from an early age.

“Education should empower students, not expose them to behaviours that can lead to addiction and related health issues later in life,” she added.

Therefore, she called on all educational institutions to adhere strictly to existing guidelines prohibiting funding from tobacco and alcohol companies.

The Education Ministry’s guidelines forbid schools from receiving funds generated from selling tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

“We urge policymakers, school leaders, and the community to uphold these critical standards that protect our educational environments from the influence of harmful industries.

“Schools should be places that promote wellness and foster productive members of society, rather than arenas where unhealthy habits can take root,” Azizan said.

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