ALOR STAR: Pas has voiced concern over the Education Ministry's directive to continue school canteen operations during Ramadan, criticising it as an excessive move which could spark unnecessary controversy among the public.
Pas Ulama Council chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said that the closure of school canteens during Ramadan was a practice and a societal norm to respect fasting Muslims, including students training themselves to fast.
Yahaya, who is also the Pokok Sena member of parliament, claimed that Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had hastily issued the directive, arguing that it was disrespectful towards the holy month of Ramadan.
"This can be handled harmoniously without the need for directives to continue canteen operations while students are observing Ramadan.
"This doesn't mean we're preventing non-Muslim students from eating during the day. It's also a form of education for them to respect Ramadan while in school.
"They can bring packed meals and eat in designated areas. That's sufficient without the need for a directive to open canteens, which is seen as excessive," he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Fadhlina said that school canteen operators should continue operations throughout Ramadan.
She said it was a part of the standard operating procedure for schools every year during the holy month.
However, she said schools must provide guidance and education to non-Muslims to teach them mutual respect for those who were fasting.
Meanwhile, Yahaya argued that all parties should start educating about the importance of fasting, especially among Muslim students.
"Non-Muslim students will also appreciate the significance of fasting even without coercion," he added.