PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry’s directive to keep school canteens open during Ramadan has been lauded by social media users.
The issue, however, sparked discussions on The Star’s social media accounts, as many felt it should not have been an issue in the first place.
“Why is it the same question and topic every year?” questioned Niah Nair.
Parveen Kaur also said she does not understand why this is an issue.
“Children need to eat. Why should canteens close and why should they eat elsewhere?” she wrote.
“Why close the canteens? Some children below 10 years old only fast for half a day. What will they eat if the canteen closes?” said Miszneyna.
On Wednesday, during the Dewan Rakyat sitting, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasised the need for canteens to stay open, particularly in schools which have non-Muslim students.
“I do not want... non-Muslim students having to eat their meals in storerooms or inappropriate areas when all schools have canteens,” she said.
It was in response to PAS Ulama Council chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya, who had said that canteens should be closed during Ramadan as it is a societal norm to respect fasting Muslims.
Other commenters said this was not an issue during their school days.
A commenter with the username Jason said that 20 years ago, those who did not fast could eat in the canteen.
“We just took great consideration not to munch and slurp in front of fellow fasting friends,” he wrote.
“This wasn’t a problem during my time. My school canteen was open, and those not fasting would just go to the canteen while our fasting classmates would rest in the classroom,” echoed Faith.
Phan Moi applauded the minister’s directive, saying that those who are fasting are very understanding.
“Just eat in the canteen; not all children have learnt to fast,” she added.
Khalid Al Walid also thanked the minister.
“Good job, YB; this way you accommodate all races in Malaysia,” he said.
“Mutual respect is the most important thing. Keeping the canteen open is to respect everybody,” said Patrick Khor.
