Kota Bharu: All types of food that pose a health risk to students, including vape-like candies, are prohibited from being sold in schools, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She warned that the Ministry of Education (MOE) would take strict action against any party found selling food that could endanger students’ safety.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina Sidek assured that dangerous food will not be sold within school premises, but emphasized the need for cooperation from local authorities and the Ministry of Health Malaysia to control its sale outside schools. She also encouraged schools, particularly principals and administrators, to collaborate with the authorities to discuss measures to address this issue. Her comments were made during the Kelantan-level MOE’s Jaulah Ramadan 2025 programme.

The issue arose following concerns from the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), which highlighted the increasing availability of vape and syringe-shaped candies in the local market. The association warned that these products could contribute to the normalization of smoking habits among children. N.V. Subbarow, an education officer at CAP, noted that the trend is becoming alarming as these candies closely resemble real vape devices and syringes, making them appealing to children due to their colorful and eye-catching designs.

In a related event, over 900 students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Naim Lil-Banat gathered for a breaking fast as part of the Jaulah Ramadan 2025 programme. The initiative aims to foster empathy and resilience in students through shared experiences, while also instilling values of giving and strengthening community spirit in line with the blessings of Ramadan.