Fadhlina Sidek has called on individuals who spread allegations that a programme involving schools was held in a church to apologise, stressing that the claim is untrue and has created unnecessary misunderstanding among the public.
The Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) minister said the viral allegation could also disrupt social harmony, particularly as Muslims are observing the fasting month of Ramadan.
“We received complaints regarding a defamatory statement claiming that the ministry organised a programme in a church, which has caused confusion within the community,” she told reporters.
Fadhlina explained that the programme was actually held at an international school and involved an engagement session with stakeholders from private schools and preschools.
“The session took place in a hall and not in a church as alleged. That is why I emphasise that during Ramadan, any form of misinformation or slander that can disrupt harmony or incite anger and misunderstanding within society should not be tolerated,” she said.
She made the remarks after officiating the 2026 Madani Breaking of Fast and Ihya Ramadan Ceremony organised by the Ministry of Education. Also present at the event was Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.
Fadhlina, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nibong Tebal, was responding to viral claims on social media alleging that a KPM programme involving private kindergarten operators had been held at a church in Bukit Mertajam.
She said the ministry’s current approach is to clarify the facts to the public while firmly rejecting the allegations.
“The event was attended by many stakeholders who participated in the engagement session. It was conducted in a proper hall with suitable facilities, and the discussions went well. The claim that it was held in a church is completely inaccurate,” she said.
Earlier, Bernama reported that the Ministry of Education had denied allegations circulating on social media that the northern zone engagement session with private kindergarten stakeholders was held in a church.
Education director-general Mohd Azam Ahmad said the session was actually conducted at the hall of Assumption International Secondary School in Bukit Mertajam, which is registered with the ministry.
He explained that the venue was selected based on several considerations, including available facilities and infrastructure, while also highlighting the role of international schools as part of Malaysia’s private education ecosystem.
