Four Schools Hazy Over Department’s Permission

THE Malay Mail contacted four of the 25 participating schools – two primary and two secondary schools – and found that all four were not sure if the Shop for Your School campaign received permission from the Selangor Education Department and the Education Ministry.

The schools’ representatives said that although they had attended discussions with representatives from Subang Parade and received campaign brochures, they were “not so sure on its details”.

The headmistress of a primary school in Shah Alam expressed her surprise when told that her school was involved in the campaign.

“I remember receiving calls and brochures on the campaign and being asked to join but I don’t recall agreeing to it,” she said.

She claimed that she is not aware that her school is a participant in the campaign.

The co-curriculum senior assistant teacher of another primary school in Shah Alam said she “believes that the campaign was endorsed by the State Education Department.”

“Many of our pupils’ parents shop at Subang Parade, so I think if they can help the school to win, that is a good thing,” she said.

The headmaster of a secondary school in Shah Alam said it was the school’s first time in the campaign.

“I don’t find the campaign offensive. We don’t force our students to shop at the complex,” he said.

He added that since most of the students and their family shop at the shopping complex, it was a good idea to make full use of the receipts to contribute points towards the school.

“Even if there was no campaign, their families would still shop there, so since the complex is holding this campaign, why not help the school?” he said.

He admitted reminding the students about the campaign during school assembly.

A senior assistant teacher of a school in Subang Jaya said it was the school’s second time in the campaign.

“I don’t know much about the campaign but I don’t think we need to get the State Education Department’s permission to participate,” she said.

“I think the campaign’s all right because the hadiah boleh tahan.”

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