Parents consulted before canteen closed, says school

PETALING JAYA: Parents were consulted before SK Desa Pandan in Kuala Lumpur closed their canteen due to the fasting month of Ramadan.

It said that the parents of all 11 non-Muslim students were agreeable to the closure of the canteen throughout the fasting month, adding that they could provide food from home for their children.

The school said this on Monday (April 4) after a screenshot of a notice from the school stating that the canteen would be closed during Ramadan went viral on social media.

The notice said this was to train the pupils who fast and teach others about respecting those who fast and added that water bottles could not be carried openly.

"We contacted the parents to ask if they were okay with us closing the canteen and if they are able to provide food from home for their children.

"None of them had an issue and agreed to the closure," the school told The Star when contacted.

The school said non-Muslim pupils were given space to eat in a separate room during recess while their Muslim classmates participate in classroom activities.

It also clarified that all pupils were allowed to bring their water bottles, stating that the notice was only meant to respect the sensitivities of Muslim pupils who may be fasting for the first time, especially those in Years One and Two.