Education Ministry investigating rice-and-gravy allegation about RMT, says Radzi

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry is investigating an allegation that students under the Supplementary Food Programme (RMT) are being served just rice and gravy.

Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin said the ministry will not compromise on anything involving student welfare.

“Last night, I was informed of a viral Facebook post with a picture of white rice and gravy which was claimed to be food to students under the RMT," he said

“I take the allegations seriously and have directed that further investigations be made, including identifying the schools involved,” added Dr Radzi in a Facebook post on Thursday (Jan 20).

A screenshot of the viral Facebook post alleges that the packet of rice and gravy was brought back to the student’s mother.

“Truly sadistic. What sort of food is being given to the school students? Is the allocation for RMT so small that canteen operators are giving this sort of food to children," said the writer of the post.

The writer also said that although students would sometimes complain that RMT food was not tasty, they were thankful that at least they still had something to eat and added that it does not intend to blame the canteen operators entirely.

“Small budget. The ministry should provide a new budget so that canteen operators are not struggling,” the writer added.

The RMT was first implemented in 1979 to provide daily meals for poor students in schools.

It was improved in 2020 and has meals from over 20 menus prepared by school canteens, based on recommendations from the Health Ministry.