PUTRAJAYA — The Cabinet today decided that the rules on serving and consuming alcohol at certain school premises will remain unchanged under existing regulations.

During his weekly post-Cabinet press conference here, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said further details on the matter can be obtained from the Education Ministry.

“The Cabinet was informed that some Chinese schools receive full government assistance, while in others, certain facilities are developed and maintained by the school boards or by private entities.

“Therefore, certain provisions apply specifically to Chinese schools. However, further details can be referred to the Education Ministry,” he said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat that alcohol should not be served in school premises, including after school hours, as it contradicts educational values.

He said that even when a school hall is rented by external parties such as alumni associations, its use should remain in line with the nation’s educational philosophy and guidelines.

Anwar added that the government was reviewing the need for clearer procedures to ensure consistency in future.

In response, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng appealed to Transport Minister Anthony Loke to convey the Chinese community's concerns to the prime minister on the issue.

Lim said Loke would seeka a balanced approach that would allow cultural and community traditions to continue.

To note, Chinese school halls are often rented by external groups for community events such as weddings, cultural celebrations, and fundraisers, held after school hours.