PUTRAJAYA: The report on improvements to the Supplementary Food Programme in schools, prepared by a special task force, will be presented on March 1 next year.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the task force, established by the ministry, took several factors into account.
These include cost and implementation issues, such as whether schoolchildren are truly benefiting from the nutritional value of the menus, if they meet their needs and concerns regarding food monitoring and preparation.
"We have 20 menus under the Supplementary Food Programme that rotate daily for schoolchildren and these must be monitored to ensure the nutrition meets their needs.
"We will focus on how the programme must meet these requirements, with close monitoring by school administrators. After assessing the situation, we will identify areas for improvement.
"All of these findings will be included in the comprehensive report on the programme, which will be presented on March 1," she said after her ministry's monthly assembly.
Fadhlina said the Supplementary Food Programme played a crucial role in promoting healthy eating habits among schoolchildren and ensuring they receive balanced nutrition.
"It serves as an intervention to address poverty, ensuring that children from low-income families receive adequate nutrition while at school.
"The key message is that we must get it right. We are collaborating with the Health Ministry to ensure the menus meet all necessary nutritional requirements for our children, with guidance from nutrition experts," she said.