Just yesterday, the Ministry of Education (MoE) announced that school canteens are expected to operate throughout Ramadan to cater to those who are not fasting.
The Head of the Dewan Ulamak PAS Pusat, on the other hand, thought that it was unnecessary. In an official statement by Ustaz Dato Haji Ahmad Bin Yahaya, he said the instruction to keep the canteens operational will only create unnecessary polemic.
“We think it’s common today that everyone respects those who are fasting and the children that are still learning to fast.”
Ahmad also said that with the canteens remaining closed during Ramadan, the non-Muslim students will learn to appreciate the value and the importance of fasting, although they are not obliged to do so. He also highlighted that he is, in no way, stopping the non-Muslim students from eating during the day but he is merely educating them to respect those who are fasting in Ramadan.
“This can be done harmonically without the need to open the canteens during Ramadan. We need to educate them about respecting those who are fasting, and we need to start early when they are still in school.”
To Abdul, the canteens do not have to be operational during Ramadan because non-Muslim students are still allowed to bring their food and drinks to school.
“They can eat at the designated area. To me, it’s a little too much that canteens are still expected to be operational during Ramadan,” Ahmad explained.
He also said that it was ironic of the MoE to instruct canteen operators NOT to halt their operations.
“This is as if you’re not respecting the Holy month itself. The Muslim students have to be taught to fast from young.”
It’s only the 1st day of Ramadan (March 12), we wish our Muslim friends all the best and a smooth month ahead!
Also read: 11 Muslim M’sians Share Methods That Help Them Get Through Fasting During the Month of Ramadan
