Milking Hostel Students Dry

Aliran regrets Deputy Finance Minister Dr Affifuddin Omar’s recent statement that the supply of milk to students staying in school hostels would be stopped from next month due to the nation’s economic crisis.

Affifudin said that the protein in milk could be found in other food like meat or fish, which would still be supplied. But what about the calcium in milk, which children need to build strong bones and teeth?

The decision stands in stark contrast to what is being done in other countries, especially in the west, where milk is made more accessible - in terms of price and availability - to students and the public at large.

To say that the government has to stop supplying milk to hostel students because the bulk of the milk has to be imported from New Zealand and Australia is to indirectly admit that we have been neglecting the vital domestic food industry.

Finally, we hope that the government will not practise financial prudence at the expense of the physical and mental health of students.
 

Dr Mustafa K. Anuar
Exco Member
10 March 1998