Schools Told To Report Outside Vendors Selling Food And Drinks

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The education ministry said the directive comes amid several issues linked to the sale of food and drinks by vendors outside schools. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Schools have been directed to immediately report vendors selling food or drinks outside their premises.
In a circular to state education department directors, the education ministry reminded them that the sale of food and drinks outside school gates is restricted under guidelines issued in 2021.
Under the guidelines, vendors are prohibited from selling food and drinks within a 40m radius of school gates. Local councils are responsible for enforcing this regulation.
“Your cooperation is needed to inform this matter to the relevant officers at the state education department, district education department, principals and headmasters,” said the letter issued by the director of the ministry’s daily school management division, Amzan Malek.
He said the directive comes amid several issues linked to the sale of food and drinks by vendors outside schools.
Earlier today, the health ministry said the eyeball-shaped candy that a 10-year-old pupil in Penang choked to death on has now been banned as it lacked a warning on choking hazards.
The ministry said the law states that “controlled jelly confectioneries” with a diameter of 45mm or less must carry a choking hazard warning, especially for children under three.
In a statement, it said the sale of the product in the domestic market and on online platforms is now prohibited, adding that health authorities will seize the candy and may take action against sellers.
Fahmi Hafiz Fakhruddin, a Year 4 pupil, choked on a gummy candy he bought outside SK Sungai Dua in Butterworth on Tuesday. He was left in critical condition and died in hospital at 11pm yesterday.
An autopsy confirmed that he died from brain damage because of prolonged oxygen deprivation as a result of choking on the candy. - FMT

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