This would mean that alcohol can still be served at wedding receptions, cultural events, and fundraising dinners held in Chinese vernacular school halls.

According to the Chinese daily, the Cabinet decided that it will maintain existing education ministry regulations and not introduce new restrictions.

It quoted DAP’s transport minister Loke Siew Fook as confirming the matter.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat that alcohol must not be served in schools, including at events held after school hours. He also said the education ministry was reviewing its regulations on the matter.

Several Chinese ministers, including Loke, Nga Kor Ming, Chang Lih Kang and Tiong King Sing, reportedly objected to expanding the ban to Chinese schools during today’s Cabinet meeting.

Several Umno ministers were also said to have expressed understanding, acknowledging that renting out their halls helped these independently-run schools raise funds.

Earlier today, PKR’s Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah also urged the government to exempt vernacular schools from the prohibition on serving alcoholic beverages, saying many of them depend on hall rentals to sustain themselves financially.