Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has reaffirmed that school canteens will remain open for non-Muslim students during Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of providing proper dining facilities for all students.
Responding to a query from Temerloh member of parliament Salamiah Mohd Noron regarding the operation of school canteens during Ramadan, Fadhlina referred to the School Cafeteria Management Circular, which mandates that canteens must remain open throughout the school day.
"I do not want non-Muslim students to eat in a storeroom or other inappropriate places, especially when all schools have canteens. Therefore, they should go to the canteens to eat," she stated.
Fadhlina clarified that this policy is not new and specifically addresses schools with non-Muslim students, noting that this issue was also raised last year.
Addressing Misconceptions About Vernacular Schools
Furthermore, Fadhlina addressed misconceptions about vernacular schools, expressing concern over Salamiah's misunderstanding. She emphasized that vernacular schools, recognized under the Education Act 1996, aim to enhance proficiency in students' mother tongues.
"The syllabus for all schools is set and approved by the Education Ministry. Therefore, the claim that vernacular schools have a different syllabus is incorrect," she stated.
Fadhlina urged against making baseless accusations in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) without factual evidence, responding to Salamiah's claim that vernacular schools follow a different syllabus and language compared to national schools.
The Importance of Inclusive Policies
Fadhlina's statements underscore the importance of inclusive policies in education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their religious background or school type, have access to proper facilities and educational opportunities.
As the Education Ministry continues to uphold these principles, it is crucial for policymakers and educators to work together to create a conducive learning environment for all students, fostering unity and understanding among Malaysia's diverse communities.
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