Recently, a TikTok video capturing a confrontation between a canteen vendor and a teacher selling food at a school went viral, sparking a heated debate online. The video showcased an array of food options offered by the teacher, including spaghetti, fried noodles, roti john, nasi lemak, and more, all priced competitively. This posed significant competition for the canteen vendors operating on the school premises.
In the video, the canteen vendor expressed her frustration with the competition from teachers, highlighting that the school already provides a canteen for students to purchase food and drinks. "I kept quiet, not because I don't care, but I'm too lazy to fight with teachers. But the teachers keep doing this. Do they have special permissions?" she questioned.
The teacher defended the sales, explaining that the food was being sold due to a sports day event at the school. However, the canteen vendor countered, revealing that she had observed the food being sold on regular school days as well. She raised concerns about regulations, stating that school teachers are not permitted to conduct business during school hours.
The video quickly garnered attention, with netizens flooding the comments section with their opinions. The responses were divided, with some students criticizing the canteen food for being more expensive and sometimes spoiled. On the other hand, some users defended the canteen vendors, emphasizing the challenges they face.
Amid the controversy, a suggestion emerged that teachers and canteen vendors should communicate beforehand to ensure fairness in food sales. The need for clear communication and cooperation is crucial in maintaining a harmonious environment for both parties.
Despite the differing opinions, one thing is clear: serving spoiled food to paying students is unacceptable in any school environment. This incident highlights the importance of quality control and fair competition in school food services. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how schools will address these concerns and ensure a fair and safe food environment for their students.
