Should school canteens remain open during Ramadhan? Ministry of Education has instructed food operators to run canteens during the Holy month, but PAS is not fond of the idea, calling it “a little too much” and disrespectful.
Just yesterday (March 13), in Parliament, Fadhlina Sidek, the Minister of Education responded to the criticism and said non-Muslim students, or those who are not fasting should eat where they’re supposed to eat – in the canteen.
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“I don’t want them to eat in the storeroom or anywhere inappropriate. Schools have canteens, so that’s where they should eat,” Fadhlina insisted.
Fadhlina also highlighted that only the canteens at schools with non-Muslim students will be asked to operate during Ramadhan. As for the Muslim students, Fadhlina is certain and convinced that there will be no issues at all.
“Muslim students who are fasting will be handled by their teachers. There is no problem at all in this matter.”
She also said that she was aiming to create an environment, or an “ecosystem” at schools where everyone shares a mutual respect and understanding.
Fadhlina expressed her thoughts and responses about the matter after she was also asked by Salamiah Mohd Nor, Perikatan Nasional’s MP for Temerloh about it.
Last week, Fadhlina said canteens at schools should remain open to cater to non-Muslim students. Head of Dewan Ulamak PAS released a statement and called the decision “too much”, saying students who are fasting should be respected.
To our Muslim friends, how’s your 3rd day of fasting going on? We’ve attached some tips below which will hopefully help you brace through the Holy month!
Also read: 11 Muslim M’sians Share Methods That Help Them Get Through Fasting During the Month of Ramadan
