Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has urged all schools intending to host events, including student graduations at hotels or upscale venues, to engage in discussions with parents to obtain their approval.

While schools have autonomy in organising events, Fadhlina emphasised that any arrangement involving fee collection should include discussions with parents or the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).

“Discussions regarding the organization of any event must take place between parents or the PTA. This is to ensure that the event aligns with the financial capabilities of parents and is mutually agreed upon,” she stated after visiting the Selangor State Technical Skills Development Center (STDC) yesterday, reported Utusan.

The reported trend of organising school events at hotels with fees reaching hundreds of ringgit has raised concerns among many parents about the financial burden.

While not mandatory, few parents can refuse their excited children’s requests to participate in such events. However, not everyone is financially capable.

Fadhlina further added that issues like these are hoped to be resolved through rational discussions between the two parties. “I believe that a space for discussion is the best way to avoid the emergence of such issues in the future,” she said.