The Cabinet has reached a unanimous decision to exempt Chinese vernacular school halls from the government’s ban on serving alcohol at events, according to Sin Chew. This means wedding receptions, cultural functions, and fundraising dinners held in these halls can continue to serve alcoholic beverages.
The move maintains current regulations set by the Education Ministry, with no new restrictions introduced. DAP Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook confirmed the decision following the Cabinet meeting.
Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had told the Dewan Rakyat that alcohol must not be served in schools, even during after-school events, and noted that the Education Ministry was reviewing the rules.
Reports say several Chinese ministers, including Loke, Nga Kor Ming, Chang Lih Kang, and Tiong King Sing, opposed extending the ban to Chinese schools during Cabinet discussions. Umno ministers reportedly acknowledged the financial importance of hall rentals for these independent schools.
PKR’s Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah had also urged the government to exempt vernacular schools, citing their reliance on hall rentals to sustain operations.
