Schools Turned Into Supermarkets As Administrators Flout Moe Rules Union Reveals

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Some school administrators have allowed the promotion and sale of various products and services within school premises, turning them into a ‘supermarket,’ the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has revealed. - NSTP FILE PICKUALA LUMPUR: Some school administrators have allowed the promotion and sale of various products and services within school premises, turning them into a 'supermarket,' the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has revealed.
The NUTP said that some school administrators made these decisions independently, violating regulations set by the Education Ministry (MOE).
The regulations require that any activity conducted by external parties within school premises must obtain approval from the MOE, State Education Department, and the District Education Office.
NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said that certain education officials have allowed various service providers and vendors to enter schools, leading to cases of fraud that have ensnared teachers.
"This activity is clearly prohibited, but it continues under the pretext of raising funds for school development," he told Berita Harian.
He added that external parties are not allowed to conduct business in schools, even with approval from principals or headmasters. Such permissions must come from the MOE, State Education Department, and District Education Office.
Fouzi disclosed that many schools have permitted insurance agents and financial institutions to enter and offer services and loans.
"Such programmes should not be allowed in schools, and principals or headmasters are also not permitted to receive any financial assistance, as there are strict regulations in place," he said.
He warned school administrators to be cautious when allowing outsiders with vested interests to run campaigns, promotions, or business activities within school premises.
"They cannot turn schools into a 'supermarket,' allowing anything to be sold in exchange for perks like sponsored meals or extra donations," he said.
This practice, Fouzi added, puts school staff, particularly teachers, at risk of falling for fraudulent schemes by irresponsible parties allowed onto school grounds.
This was evident from the recently uncovered bank loan scam in Op Sky, a joint operation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
"We understand that school management might want to reward teachers with sponsored meals, but they should not compromise regulations by allowing outsiders in without MOE's approval," he added.
Fouzi said that the NUTP found many schools granting access to insurance agents and financial institution representatives to offer services and loans.
"Such programmes should not be allowed in schools. Principals and headmasters must also refrain from accepting financial aid or any form of benefit for their schools, as strict conditions must be adhered to," he said.
He warned that school administrators would be held accountable if fraud cases occur involving school staff due to unauthorised external access.
"It would be unfortunate if such situations arise, as blame-shifting will surely follow. If these cases are investigated and victims come forward, the implications will directly involve principals and headmasters—especially if there are allegations of bribery," he said.
Fouzi advised teachers victimised by loan syndicates to report their cases to the NUTP amid the ongoing MACC probe.
"The NUTP has received reports, but so far, no teachers have stepped forward. I urge them to provide their names to us so we can assist. This is a very grave situation," he said.
He also asked the MOE to take immediate action to address this issue, including offering emotional support to teachers affected by financial scams.
Yesterday, it was reported that schools allowing financial consulting firms to operate on their premises were allegedly receiving at least RM1,000 as a 'donation' for school development.
It was revealed that school staff, including teachers, were offered RM50 to participate in surveys conducted by these companies, which disguised themselves as providers of financial literacy training, workshops, or knowledge-sharing sessions.
According to sources, the companies' modus operandi mirrored corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, offering schools financial aid and promising a minimum donation of RM1,000.
The syndicate was dismantled by the MACC through Op Sky, with investigations revealing that thousands of civil servants, including teachers, were trapped in loan schemes, leaving them burdened with excessive debt. - NST

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