Pictures have surfaced online that seem to depict non-Muslim students eating their lunches in the school toilets of a primary school in Malaysia. It is alleged that school officials are forcing student to eat in these improvised canteens in order to avoid angering or upsetting Muslims during the month of Ramadan.

Guneswari Kelly, a mother of one of the schoolchildren, released the photos on Facebook earlier this month. Since then, the pictures have gone viral across several social networks around the globe. The prevalent reaction has been one of shock and anger, with many citing the health hazards associated with eating near the toilets. She further explained that children were not allowed in the school's usual canteen and were forced to stay in the toilets and changing rooms throughout recesses and lunch breaks.

The primary school in question is SK Seri Pristina in Sungai Buloh. Initial attempts to obtain a response from the school were unsuccessful, with all calls going unanswered.

Complaints by the education bureau of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) have led to an official investigation from the Education Ministry.

This is not the first time that religious tensions have cropped up in Malaysia. 2010 saw an incident in Kedah where the headmistress of Sekolah Menegah Kebangsaan Bukit Selambau called Chinese students to "return to China" if they would not respect Ramadan by skipping meals whilst at school. The school was forced to apologize for the incident, but many still felt that the matter was not adequately resolved. There have been widespread accusations of tolerance towards racism in Malaysia directed at the National Civics Bureau (BTN).

As recently as two weeks ago there was another serious incident where sex bloggers, Vivian Lee and Alvin Tan were charged with sedition for inciting religious enmity after posting photographs of a pork dish on Facebook. The bloggers commented that this would make a suitable first meal after Ramadan, provoking a swift and serious response from the authorities. Muslims are not allowed to eat pork and these photos were deemed highly offensive. The bloggers are currently in jail and are awaiting trial.

Ramadan calls for Muslims to fast from dawn till dusk during the holy month. Out of 29 million inhabitants, 61% of Malaysians are Muslims. Malaysia has been gripped by racial and religious tensions for several years and this is just the latest incident.