Ordering school canteens to remain open during Ramadan ‘excessive’, says PAS

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry’s directive for school canteens to remain open during Ramadan is controversial and “excessive”, says the PAS ulama council.

The Islamist party expressed reservations over the Education Ministry’s decision, saying it could ignite public discord.

Ulama council chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said closing school canteens during Ramadan was a societal norm to respect Muslims who are fasting.

“Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek hastily issued the directive, which is disrespectful towards the holy month of Ramadan,” said the Pokok Sena MP.

He added that it lacked consideration for the sanctity of the Ramadan month and suggested it could have been managed more harmoniously without issuing such a directive.

“This doesn’t mean that non-Muslim students will be deprived of meals, instead, it presents an opportunity for them to learn and respect the significance of Ramadan,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (March 12).

Yahaya added that non-Muslim students could bring meals to school to eat in designated areas.

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

Fadhlina had previously announced that school canteens would continue operating throughout Ramadan as normal during the holy month.

She also said there needed to be awareness and respect for the needs of non-Muslim students as well.

“The process of teaching respect and mutual understanding between each other is crucial during the holy month of Ramadan,” she said, adding that teachers would have the experience to manage any issues arising.