However, more needs to be done to improve the level of hygiene and cleanliness in many school canteens. Often, tables and chairs are not properly wiped after students finish their meals. Likewise, the cutlery, plates and plastic cups are sometimes only rinsed instead of being thoroughly washed.
This poor upkeep attracts flies and cockroaches. Clogged sinks and smelly drains are also a common sight in some schools.
Apart from cleanliness, school authorities should ensure that there is enough food for students during recess. Currently, it is often a case of “first come, first served,” where only the first batch of students gets to enjoy the available snacks and dishes. In schools where recess is staggered, there is usually little to no food left for the second and third batches of students. This is extremely frustrating and unacceptable.
Many students, including myself, are forced to bring food from home simply because there is nothing left to eat after the first recess session.
I would also like to highlight that the quality of food sold in the canteen leaves much to be desired.
I wonder if there are standards or food regulations that canteen operators are required to follow.
The food is also expensive. At my school, nasi lemak costs RM2 but comes with only a small portion of rice, three anchovies, and a tiny slice of hard-boiled egg. The mee goreng (fried noodles), priced similarly at RM2, does not even include fish cake, egg strips or bean sprouts. Chicken rice with a very small piece of chicken costs RM3 per plate.
While I understand that the cost of ingredients has risen, I cannot help but notice that mamak stalls offer mee goreng with more ingredients, and nasi lemak sold outside has larger portions and tastes much better. Is the canteen operator trying to maximise profit by cutting down on ingredients?
I believe there should be more variety as well. Dishes such as kway teow soup, roti canai, and even healthier tea-time snacks like vadai should be introduced.
I urge officials from the Education Ministry and the health authorities to visit schools regularly and carry out spot checks on canteen operations to ensure cleanliness and to make sure students are not deprived of wholesome and appetising meals.