Desa Pandan school to reopen canteen throughout Ramadan

Deputy Education minister Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon. - Filepic/The Star

IPOH: A school canteen that was initially closed for Ramadan is now allowed to operate, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.

The Deputy Education Minister said the decision was made after they received complaints about the canteen located in Desa Pandan, Kuala Lumpur.

“Based on the report I received, several schools had initially asked non-Muslim parents before temporarily closing their canteen.

“The parents agreed to bring food from home. But since we received reports and complaints from others, the school has re-evaluated its decision and the canteen will open throughout Ramadan,” Dr Mah told reporters here yesterday.

Earlier this week, a notice from SK Desa Pandan stating that the canteen would be closed during Ramadan went viral.

The school said the parents of all 11 non-Muslim students were consulted and they agreed with the closure.

Dr Mah noted that the complaints were from those who did not agree to bring meals from home.

“While we respect Muslim pupils who are fasting, we must also allow those from different religions to buy food at the school canteen,” he said.

Separately, Dr Mah advised members of the public not to heighten tensions over a bullying case in Sepang, Selangor, as the authorities were waiting for a detailed report regarding the case.

“The most important part is that everyone needs to cool down first.

“I have yet to receive any official reports regarding the incident. I believe a thorough investigation is needed before deciding on anything,” he said.

On April 6, a Facebook page under the name “Tanggang Derhaka” posted a video showing a group of students fighting, describing the incident as happening at SMK Sungai Pelek in Sepang.

Dr Mah also commented on the issue of a parent who donated five fans to his son’s classroom.

“The ministry welcomes any sponsorship and donations by companies as part of their corporate social responsibility or by parents as long as they do it sincerely.

“I believe this isn’t an issue and we should appreciate the donation,” he said.

A video of the father who purchased the fans went viral, with users applauding his action.