KUALA LUMPUR – Solidariti Pengusaha Kantin Sekolah Malaysia (Association of School Canteen Operators) has invited Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek for a roundtable to discuss food pricing in school canteens.
The association’s secretariat Rizal Yusof said that they have no issues with maintaining prices according to contractual agreements, but such a move would not solve the problems faced by canteen operators.
“We are not asking for solutions for us, but they can be used for other canteen operators in the future.
“But this problem can’t be solved unless we first address the root causes.
“Let’s sit at a table together and talk,” Rizal said in a statement today.
He pointed out that operators that just obtained contracts or had their agreements renewed are still having to face the problem of the rising costs of raw products.
“There’s nothing special about us operating in schools under the ministry’s watch compared to operating outside.
“Further, those running canteens have to follow standard operating procedures on cleanliness, safety and health under strict supervision,” he added.
At the same time, Rizal also hopes the Education Ministry will consider recent recommendations from the association.
Earlier, Fadhlina was reported as saying that there is no need to worry over rising food prices in schools.
She said this is due to the fact that food prices in schools are based on agreements among the operator, the school and the ministry.
Fadhlina added that the Education Ministry is taking into account recommendations for a uniform price for food in school canteens according to locality. – The Vibes, March 17, 2023
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