The ministry said the Cabinet agreed to maintain the guidelines, and that such contributions cannot display or promote alcohol on school premises.

It also said the Cabinet agreed to give vernacular schools the “consideration” to accept donations through their board of directors or foundation.

“This has been practised by several past governments and had never been questioned by any party,” it added in a statement.

“Nevertheless, the Cabinet stresses that the organising of activities involving alcohol brands cannot involve Muslim students.”

PAS recently took issue with deputy housing and local government minister Aiman Athirah Sabu for receiving a mock cheque for RM3 million bearing Tiger Beer’s logo at a fundraiser for SJK(C) Tche Min in Sungai Pelek, Selangor.

Deputy education minister Wong Kah Woh pointed out that Tiger Beer, which is owned by Heineken Malaysia Bhd, had hosted these fundraisers for 30 years and reduced Putrajaya’s financial burden while enabling vernacular schools to upgrade their infrastructure.

On Monday, the education ministry said it was investigating the incident, and reminded schools to adhere to the guidelines issued in 2018, which prohibit accepting donations generated from activities such as gambling, as well as the sale of tobacco, drugs and alcohol.

Tiger Beer yesterday denied ever giving donations to schools, saying its role in the recent school fundraiser only involved the performances by local artistes at the concert.

Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said earlier there were misconceptions on the issue as the alcohol brand had only sponsored a charity concert for a fundraiser, and did not directly channel any funds to the school.