KUALA LUMPUR – Canteens in public schools have to remain open during the fasting month of Ramadan, reiterated Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
As this has been told repeatedly to school administrations, she said the students will be educated on related issues and the need for respect for one another.
“Educating the students on awareness and mutual respect is important in the context of Ramadan. The teachers are experienced in handling such matters if they arise.
“I hope we are able to respect each other,” she told reporters after visiting SK Saujana Putra in Kuala Langat on the first day of the 2024/2025 academic session today.
She also affirmed the ministry’s recognition of vernacular schools, as their existence is enshrined in the Education Act 1996.
She said any action or decision to revamp the existing education ecosystem must be based on the provisions contained in the Education Act.
“We hear those views, but as of today, the ministry will uphold the Education Act. As I have stressed before, vernacular schools are recognised by the Education Act, and we will stick to that.”
Last week, Umno youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh called on the government to conduct an evaluation of vernacular education by inculcating nationalistic aspects while strengthening its students’ command of Bahasa Malaysia.
As for parents of children without Malaysian citizenship, Fadhlina advises them to head to the respective education departments for assistance.
“We will help where possible and in accordance with the guidelines. It will be on a case by case basis.
“I want all children to attend school so the ministry will render help accordingly.”
The new public school term for 2024/2025 resumes today for 3.61 million students in Group B (Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Selangor) and yesterday for 1.44 million students in Group A (Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu). – March 11, 2024