In addition to respecting non-Muslims during Ramadan, she pointed out that younger Muslim children are not required to fast.

Stressing the importance the government places on inclusivity and respect, Fadhlina said “those who fast must be polite to those who are not fasting, and those who are not fasting must learn to respect those who are fasting”.

“So, we don’t want a scenario where students eat at the (school) store or by the side of drains. I don’t want that kind of situation,” she said in a Bernama report.

“Canteens need to continue to open, and they (operators) need to discuss this with the school. I’m sure there are Muslim children who do not fast at an early age, and there is no obligation for them to do so.”

Fadhlina was speaking to reporters after attending a back-to-school event organised by Yayasan Petronas at a school here today.

She was asked about a canteen operator’s recommendation that canteens in schools which have less than 10% non-Muslim students need not open during Ramadan.

Association of School Canteen Operators secretary-general Siti Normah Desa was quoted as saying that if the school canteens remain open, their low revenue during Ramadan would be unable to cover their operating costs.