“You’re Poor for Taking Aid” — A Mother’s Powerful Lesson Goes Viral

Incident in Petaling Jaya Highlights Challenges Faced by Children on Free Meal Aid Programme

On 18 December in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, a mother shared on social media the difficulties her children encountered in school due to their participation in the government’s school free meal aid programme, known as the Free Supplementary Food Programme (RMT). The children experienced repeated mockery from classmates who associated receiving aid with being poor. The mother’s response, which involved psychological guidance and values education, has since attracted positive public attention, illustrating deeper issues related to social perceptions and student welfare within Malaysian schools.

Mother Explains Situation and Guides Children Through Understanding and Values

According to a report by local news portal mStar, the children, who are beneficiaries of the RMT scheme, frequently returned home upset after being labelled negatively by their peers. The mother expressed gratitude that her children were eligible for this nutritional assistance, but noted that the stigma attached to receiving help was a source of emotional distress.

She recounted conversations with her children to address their concerns calmly, focusing on reframing the concept of poverty and discouraging feelings of shame. The mother asked her children what they believed poverty was, to which they replied it meant having insufficient food and no home. She then pointed out that these conditions did not apply to them, aiming to emphasise that receiving aid should not be interpreted as a reflection of character or dignity.

This approach aimed to build psychological resilience and a positive self-image in her children, affirming that acceptance of aid is a form of support rather than a sign of inferiority. The episode in Petaling Jaya highlights the social challenges sometimes linked with well-intentioned government support initiatives.

School Meal Aid Programmes Are Designed to Support Students’ Wellbeing, Authorities Confirm

According to education authorities in Selangor, initiatives such as the Free Supplementary Food Programme (RMT) serve to ensure adequate nutrition and support learning among all students, particularly those from low-income families. The programme is implemented across various districts including Petaling Jaya, Seri Kembangan, and Batu Caves, aiming to enhance students’ health and concentration during school hours.

Officials emphasised that the programme’s core objective is to provide equitable access to nutritious meals and that any stigma or discrimination within school environments is contrary to its intent. Preliminary feedback from school administrators confirms ongoing efforts to educate students on inclusivity and respect.

No formal complaints regarding bullying related to RMT recipients have been recorded by the police or education department to date. Authorities continue to monitor such situations to uphold school safety and student welfare.

Public Discussions Draw Attention to the Importance of Empathy and Respect in Schools

Following the mother’s social media disclosure, netizens engaged in discussions highlighting the importance of empathy and the detrimental impact of stigma on children receiving aid. Many users praised the mother’s strategy of instilling gratitude and confidence rather than responding with anger.

Some commentators underlined that RMT is essentially a social policy tool, intended to protect children’s health and educational experience rather than to categorise students by socioeconomic status. This perspective has called for enhanced educational programmes in schools and at home to cultivate understanding toward peers from various backgrounds.

In addition, another parent shared that their child benefits from RMT not based on financial hardship but due to enrolment in the Special Education Integration Programme (PPKI). This parent emphasized that clear explanations regarding the purpose of assistance schemes are crucial for developing empathy among students.

Broader Implications for School Environment and Social Cohesion Are Becoming Evident

In the short term, cases like the one in Petaling Jaya may affect student interactions and school atmosphere, with incidents of mockery potentially causing psychological distress. While these episodes have not led to physical safety concerns or disruptions, subtle impacts on student wellbeing and social dynamics should be noted.

Long-term trends indicate an increasing need for schools across Malaysia, particularly in urban and suburban areas such as Selangor and Kuala Lumpur’s surrounding districts, to integrate social-emotional learning and diversity education into their curricula. Enhancing awareness around programmes like RMT could contribute to reducing stigma and promoting social inclusion.

The educational sector may consider this case a reminder to continue refining community engagement and reinforcing standards that protect all students from discrimination. Strengthening communication between schools, parents, and students is also viewed as a key factor in fostering a collaborative and respectful education environment.

Location: Petaling Jaya

Date: 18 December 2025