A recent post on Threads by user @manis_khairi has gone viral after she shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp group chat, believed to be between parents and a teacher from her child's school. The conversation, which took place in a class group chat, has sparked widespread discussion and criticism online.

In the shared screenshot, a teacher from a private school in Johor reminded parents and guardians about the upcoming Teachers Day celebration. However, what began as a simple reminder quickly drew attention due to the nature of the teacher's request.

"With all due respect, we kindly ask parents to provide their children with gifts to be given to teachers on that day (Teacher's Day celebration)," the teacher wrote.

While it's common for students to give small tokens of appreciation to their teachers during such celebrations, it is typically viewed as a voluntary act a gesture of gratitude from those who are able and willing, not something that should be expected or required.

What further fueled the controversy was the teacher's specific instruction regarding the types of gifts that should not be given. The message discouraged common and affordable items such as pens, mugs, photo frames, or small bouquets, suggesting that these gifts were not useful.

"We kindly ask you not to give pens, mugs, photo frames, or small flowers to the teachers. A blessed gift is one that is beneficial," the message continued.

This statement did not sit well with many parents. The woman who posted the screenshot questioned the appropriateness of the request, asking her followers, "Is it okay to demand like this? What do you guys think?"

The post quickly gained traction, with many users expressing frustration and disbelief. In the comments section, several netizens slammed the teacher for making such an unreasonable demand, calling it inappropriate and entitled.

Some even mocked the teacher's attitude, labelling the request as "too demanding" for what should be a heartfelt celebration of educators.

In contrast, a few mothers chimed in to share their experiences, saying that teachers at other schools do not impose such expectations on students or parents when it comes to giving gifts. Instead, they welcome any gesture of appreciation, big or small, with genuine gratitude.

The viral post has since sparked an ongoing debate about boundaries, expectations, and the true meaning behind Teacher's Day, a day meant to honour and celebrate the role of educators, not burden families with gift requirements.