“This is why I have urged the education ministry to increase the RMT rate so that our children can enjoy quality food and the Malaysian School Canteen Operators Association can provide the best service without increasing their cost,” he said in a Facebook post.

The rate is currently set at RM2.50 for students in Peninsular Malaysia and RM3 for those in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.

Maszlee raised the issue in the Dewan Rakyat last month, stating that the rate was unreasonable due to rising prices. He warned that it would see canteen operators compromise on the quality of food served to students.

His former deputy, Teo Nie Ching, also pushed for a review of the rate, telling FMT that the photo “definitely does not follow the menu” set out for the food programme.

Teo said teachers had also been tasked with making sure canteen operators did not shortchange students.

A picture of a plastic food pack containing white rice and gravy went viral on Facebook recently, with the account holder claiming it was a meal served to students under the supplementary food programme.

The account holder also questioned whether canteen operators provided such food because of the limited budget for the meals.

The education ministry today said it was investigating the claim, with the minister, Radzi Jidin, calling for the schools involved to be identified.

“I take the allegations seriously. The ministry will not compromise on matters involving the welfare of students,” he said on Facebook.

Implemented since 1979, the programme provides food for primary school students from rural and low income groups.