A senior teacher at a primary school in Sungai Petani, Kedah, had allegedly told non-Muslim students not to drink water in class but to do so in the washroom.
The teacher, who is in charge of student affairs, also allegedly told the pupils that if they don't have water, they could drink from the "tap or their own urine" instead.
This is according to a purported letter of complaint dated yesterday that has gone viral on various social media platforms.
"The speech by the senior assistant for student affairs is uncivilised and uncouth, and could stoke racial sentiments among non-Muslim students and community.
"It is also clear that he as a teacher has no respect for the feelings of non-Muslim students, teachers, and next-of-kin," read the letter.
The letter names the Kedah state education department director as the addressee, and was purportedly from the "Next-of-kin of non-Muslim Students" of the school
The teacher allegedly made the statement yesterday during a school assembly. Sunday is a school day in some states including Kedah.
Although not explicitly mentioned in the letter, the statement came just four days into the Ramadan fasting period.
Ministry orders probe
When contacted, the school authorities told Malaysiakini today that officials are in midst of a meeting to discuss the allegations.
Meanwhile, Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan revealed that an investigation has been ordered.
"We have immediately directed the State Education Department of Kedah to investigate and they are currently doing that and we are awaiting the results.
However, at a policy level the allegations if true are definitely not the policy of the ministry.
"Also if found true those responsible will be dealt with seriously for breaching the ministries policy," he stated on Facebook.
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