Shock and anger over school's skewed understanding of Ramadan

Not only fasting during Ramadan is not obligatory for non-Muslims, underage children are also exempt from it.

Yet a school has taken it upon itself to implement its strange understanding of this Islamic obligation by forcing its non-Muslim students to only eat in the shower-cum-dressing room during recess time.

Photos of the hapless schoolchildren being forced to consume food in the unsuitable place have gone viral on social media websites, with netizens both Muslims and non-Muslims expressing shock and horror. Tables and chairs are seen outside cubicles where students are supposed to have their meals.

Many have demanded action against the principal of the school, which has been now identified to be Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Pristana in Sungai Buloh, Selangor.

It is understood that the school's canteen is closed throughout Ramadan, which began two weeks ago.

“The Education Ministry must act. This is clearly an insult to Islam,” remarks one Facebook commentator.

In a swift response, deputy Education minister II P Kamalanathan tweeted that his ministry officials had already met with the school authorities and instructed them to remove the ruling on food consumption during Ramadan.

"The Ministry views such issues with gravity and will surely take stern action to ensure its not repeated," he said.

A check on the school's website reveals that its headmaster is Mohamad Nasir Mohd Noor. The school also has a Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/skseripristana.

- Harakahdaily