KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry says it will maintain the existing guidelines on donations to schools.

The ministry, in a statement, said the Cabinet on Wednesday had agreed to maintain the existing guidelines which prohibit displaying and promoting alcoholic beverages within school premises.

The Cabinet also decided to consider allowing vernacular schools to receive funds through its board of directors and foundations.

"This is a practice that has been in place for several administrations and has never been questioned by any party.

"However, the Cabinet emphasised that activities involving alcohol brands must not involve Muslim students," it said.

Previously, Pas raised the issue involving deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu receiving a mock cheque for RM3 million bearing a beer company's logo at a fundraiser for SJK(C) Tche Min in Sungai Pelek, Selangor.

Aiman Athirah was reported as saying that she was not informed about contributors to the school's construction of a hall.

On Monday, the education ministry said it was investigating the incident, and reminded schools to adhere to the guidelines issued in 2018, which prohibit accepting donations generated from activities such as gambling, as well as the sale of tobacco, drugs and alcohol.

Tiger Beer yesterday denied ever giving donations to schools, saying its role in the recent school fundraiser only involved the performances by local artists at the concert.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi earlier said the sponsorship from the alcoholic beverage company to the school was for a charity concert and not a donation. 

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1082144/education-ministry-maintain-guidelines-school-donations-prohibit-alcohol