Children in Selangor Faced with Mockery over Government Meal Assistance
Petaling Jaya, Selangor – On December 18, a local mother shared an account on social media regarding her children who have been subjected to ridicule by their schoolmates for participating in the government’s Free Supplementary Food Programme (RMT). The children reportedly returned home distressed due to comments labelling them as “poor” for accepting meal aid. Highlighting an ongoing social challenge within Malaysian primary schooling environments. The incident sheds light on the intersection of educational welfare policies and social dynamics among students within the Klang Valley area, including nearby locations such as Seri Kembangan and Batu Caves.
Mother Responds to Children’s Experience with Guidance Rather Than Retaliation
The mother’s post, cited by news portal mStar, detailed how her children had faced repeated taunts at school for receiving meals under the RMT. A government initiative aimed at ensuring adequate nutrition for students. Despite feeling heartbroken and helpless, she opted against reacting with anger or confrontation. Instead, she engaged her children in dialogues focusing on psychological support and value-based education. The children were encouraged to reconsider the meaning of poverty beyond material deficits. When asked about poverty, her children described it as a lack of food or shelter, to which she responded by clarifying that their receipt of meal aid did not signify these hardships.
This approach aimed to reinforce their self-worth and dignity by distinguishing material assistance from personal value or social status. By emphasising that receiving help is a measure of governmental support rather than a marker of failure. The mother sought to foster resilience against peer discrimination.
Government Programmes Are Designed to Support Student Nutrition and Should Not Cause Stigma
According to official descriptions, the Free Supplementary Food Programme (RMT) is part of Malaysia’s broader effort to safeguard the nutritional welfare of schoolchildren and support their academic performance. Authorities reinforce that such programmes are social safety nets intended to improve educational equity. Local education representatives in Selangor have noted that while such assistance is crucial, schools and parents hold responsibility to ensure that participation does not become a source of stigma or discrimination.
In related statements, education officers advised continuous integration of empathy and respect teachings within school curricula to accommodate students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. No investigations were reported in relation to the mother’s social media disclosure. As the matter pertains primarily to social behaviour rather than criminal conduct.
Social Media Discussion Highlights Importance of Empathy in Schools
The story has attracted significant attention across Malaysian social media platforms, where netizens commended the mother’s patient and educative response. Many viewers emphasised that promoting gratitude and dignity teaches children to develop healthy psychological resilience. Comments also reflected awareness that the RMT programme should not define one’s identity or social standing.
Additionally, some social media participants shared similar experiences. One parent noted their child receives meal aid under the Special Education Integration Programme (PPKI). Explaining that the child’s eligibility is unrelated to economic hardship but rather to inclusive educational policies. This parent highlighted that clear communication about the aims of such programmes plays a key role in fostering understanding among peers.
Long-Term Educational and Social Implications Emphasise Inclusive Support Systems
In the short term, incidents of mockery relating to free meal aid may contribute to psychological stress among affected students. With potential impacts on academic and social development. Meanwhile, increased public discourse strengthens calls for improved empathy-based education within schools across Malaysia, including Petaling Jaya and surrounding districts such as Seri Kembangan.
Over the longer term, reinforcing values of respect and inclusion aligns with national policies aimed at reducing socioeconomic disparities in education. The evolution of school programmes and community awareness campaigns are expected to sustain improvement in students’ welfare and interpersonal relations. Government authorities and educational institutions continue to monitor and update welfare schemes and psychosocial support initiatives to address these multidimensional challenges systematically.
Location: Petaling Jaya
Date: December 18, 2025