Fair access to education is a right that all children should be granted. Unfortunately due to challenges brought on by factors such as extreme poverty or even inadequate infrastructure, not all school students are able to enjoy school in the same way as others do.
In response to this, the federal government has instituted a number of programs aimed at tackling these gaps in the system, such as the Supplementary Meal Program (RMT) founded in 1976, which hopes to bolster nutrition among underprivileged students by providing them free, balanced meals at school.
Netizen alleges students in Pahang school fed miniscule amounts for Supplementary Meal Program
However, the initiative has recently caught flak from Malaysians after Astro Awani Senior News Editor Izwar Wahid had recently alleged that students from a Pahang school enrolled under the RMT program were only receiving miniscule portions for their meals. As shared across his personal Twitter account, he believes that the downsized servings may have to do with the recent price hike of foodstuffs in the wake of subsidy changes and global inflation.
RMT menu 6/7/22 at one of the SK in Pahang. To be specific near railway that is so 'rapuh' [yg faham faham yang tak faham buat buat faham]. Price hike kot. @RadziJidin @KemPendidikan pic.twitter.com/ChjPJ463bI
— Izwar AWANI (@izwarwahid) July 6, 2022
A photo enclosed shows what appears to be fried yellow noodles with a small amount of vegetables meant for students.
“RMT menu 6/7/22 at one of the National Schools in Pahang. To be specific near railway that is so ‘brittle’ [for those who understand, they will understand. For those who don’t just pretend that you do.] Maybe it has something to do with price hikes.” he wrote.
Operator has been warned, but no changes were made
He adds that the canteen operator has previously been warned over the matter, but has yet to make any changes whatsoever.
It is worth noting that according to the Ministry of Education, the current RMT budget is as follows:
- RM2.50 per student per day x 190 days for those living in West Malaysia
- RM3.00 per student per day x190 days for those living in East Malaysia
Understandably, the parlty portions have left many Malaysians shocked, given how the initiative was meant to aid in improving their physical health, as well as food intake habits.
“This is worth RM2.50?”
“This looks like they’re not done packing the food yet. They probably still have to place in a piece of fried egg, a slice of watermelon, and a packet drink. Right…? Right…?”
This isn’t the first time that the RMT program has caught flak among netizens, as previously a Facebook user had alleged that students in another school were only being fed white rice with gravy. The Ministry of Education has since launched an investigation into the case and found that the allegations were untrue.
For more stories like this, follow us on Facebook by tapping here!
