CABINET today decided that regulations involving the serving and consumption of alcohol on school premises will remain as stated in existing regulations.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said it was decided that the existing guidelines and current practices are to remain in effect and there will be no changes.
This means alcoholic beverages could continue to be served when the halls are rented out to the public for events not involving students.
"The Ministry of Education (MOE) will maintain the status quo following concerns from the Chinese community, who view the prohibition as potentially overriding their social customs and traditions.
“The Cabinet informed that for certain Chinese national schools, they receive full assistance, while some have facilities developed and maintained by the School Governing Board (LPS) or have been developed by the private sector. So there are several things that apply specifically to Chinese schools.
“But you can refer to the statement from the MOE soon. There are no changes to the existing guidelines, regulations and practices," he said.
On another issue, Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is identifying individuals involved in spreading fake news that the Federal Government has ordered the closure of unregistered pondok schools in Kelantan and Kedah.
He said that the MCMC will take action against individuals found involved in spreading the fake news in accordance with Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
"The Minister concerned has issued a statement denying the matter and a complaint has also been filed with the MCMC to identify those involved in producing and spreading this fake news," he said.
Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar denied allegations that were circulating on social media that the Federal Government or departments under it had ordered the closure of unregistered pondok schools.
He said that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim always gives full support to Islamic educational institutions, including pondok schools, madrasahs and tahfiz as among the pillars of the development of Malaysia Madani. - October 24, 2025
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