She warned that the education ministry would take stern action against any party found selling food that could endanger students.

“We assure that dangerous food will not be sold on school premises, but we need the cooperation of local authorities and the health ministry to control its sale outside schools.

“We also encourage schools, especially principals and administrators, to work with the authorities to discuss measures to address this issue,” she said at the ministry’s Jaulah Ramadan 2025 programme here yesterday.

She said this when asked about the emergence of vape- and cigarette-like candies on the local market.

The Consumers Association of Penang had raised concerns over the increasing availability of vape- and syringe-shaped candies, warning that they could contribute to the normalisation of smoking habits among children.

Its education officer NV Subbarow said the trend was becoming increasingly alarming, as these products closely resembled vape devices and syringes, making them highly appealing to children due to their colourful and eye-catching designs.