Order for school canteens to operate during Ramadan ‘excessive’: PAS

THE PAS ulama council today said the Education Ministry’s directive for school canteens to operate during Ramadan was “excessive” and triggered “unnecessary” controversy among the people.

Council chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said the ministry should be focusing on educating Muslim students on the importance of fasting and their non-Muslim counterparts to respect the practice.

“Closing school canteens during Ramadan was a practice and a societal norm to respect fasting Muslims.

“Fadhlina Sidek (education minister) had hastily issued the directive which was disrespectful towards the holy month of Ramadan.

“We are not stopping the non-Muslim students from eating during the day, but it is also a form of ‘education’ for them to respect the Ramadan month since their schooling years,” said the Pokok Sena MP in a statement.

Yahaya said non-Muslim students could bring packed meals and eat in designated areas.

“That would suffice, without the need for a directive for canteens to remain open, which seems a bit excessive,” added Yahaya.

Yesterday, Fadhlina assured that school canteens would remain open during the fasting month.

“However, it is important to instil respect and understanding among the students of different races,” she added. – The Vibes, March 12, 2024