Tiger Beer denies making monetary contributions to schools

Tiger Beer has denied ever making any monetary contributions to schools.

In a statement today, the brewery company clarified that its role in the Chinese Education Charity Concert (CECC) organised by a Chinese school in Sepang, Selangor was solely in presenting local performing artistes for the event.

To date, it said, over RM413 million has been raised by the local communities through the CECC platform, without any donations from its beer brand to the schools.

“Our communications and engagements are kept at the level of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association and the board members that run the schools.

“The CECC has been in existence for 30 years. Its mission is to be a platform for the local communities to help raise funds for upgrading Chinese school facilities.

“The organisers have always been mindful in ensuring that all programmes and activities organised are respectful of religious, cultural sensitivities and compliant with the local regulations,” it said.

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. Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Lwi Kian Keong was also in attendance.

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”.

Guidelines

On Tuesday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek ruled out providing exemptions or reviewing guidelines that bar schools from receiving funds generated from selling tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

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

It was reported that Chinese vernacular schools have been given an exemption to ministry guidelines on school funding.

The ministry’s guidelines were issued in March 2018 during the ruling BN government.

The current guidelines forbid schools from receiving funds generated from selling tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

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