PETALING JAYA: Nutritional guidelines for canteen operators to prepare meals for students should be more detailed, says parent-teacher groups.
Currently, the guidelines are very vague, just outlining the serving size and the total calories, which may range from 200 calories to 550 calories.
For example, a plate of nasi goreng under the guidelines must have cup of rice, a spoonful of shredded chicken, a tablespoon of vegetables, and meet a 260-calorie intake requirement.
“Specific guidelines on portion sizes, mandatory inclusion of fruits and vegetables, and limitations on processed foods would be a step in the right direction,” said SK USJ 12 Parents and Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Singam Muniandy.
He said simple broad parameters would not sufficiently address issues plaguing meal quality and consistency across schools and age-groups.
Singam was commenting on a viral post on X about a small portion of noodles without any protein and vegetables, which was supposedly sold at a national school canteen at RM3 a plate.
He said the Health Ministry’s guidelines on healthy eating in schools should also take into account what children eat at home.
“Involving parents in discussions could help. They could help propose a menu that offers a variety of nutritious options,” said Singam, who felt PTA groups could also play a crucial role in upholding nutritional standards.
He suggested regular meetings between the school administration and canteen operators and also educational programmes on nutrition for students and parents.
Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education chairman Mak Chee Kin agreed. He said appointing a PTA member into a sub-committee to monitor meals at school canteens would be helpful.
“I have implemented this in our college and this has been proven effective,” said Mak, who is also the Tun Fatimah Form Six College PTA chairman.
Mak said the ministry’s guidelines are sufficient but they are not being followed with sugary drinks, processed food as well as junk food widely available in canteens.
This, he said, clearly showed a lack of enforcement.
“I am not surprised price is an issue (as in the RM3 plate of noodles) because of the competition in tenders.
“Operators have to make expensive bids to win the right to sell at canteens and pass the cost to parents or children,” he added.
Parent Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said both PTAs and canteen operators must build a relationship of trust.
“Be open to parents’ ideas for a win-win situation.
“Broad guidelines by the ministry are adequate as it gives canteen operators the space and freedom to be innovative with managing costs and be adventurous with their servings.
“Most schools have herb and vegetable gardens and perhaps fruit trees too. They can be used by the canteen operators.
“They can turn waste into compost to be used for planting too,” he said.
National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Fouzi Singon said the guidelines established by the ministry are sufficient as they have received advice from stakeholders on nutrition and health.
“The role of the canteen committee should be strengthened. The standard of food depends on students’ willingness to spend. Canteen operators do not receive any subsidies or assistance.
“In South Korea, every school provides free meals cooked by chefs, with nutritionists determining the menu and dishes. Can Malaysia afford such a system?” he added.
