TEXTBOOKS CONTRIBUTE ONLY 28PC OF SCHOOLBAGS’ WEIGHT
Remaining 72pc of weight from gadgets, stationery, uniforms
TEXTBOOKS and activity books contribute only 28 per cent of the weight of schoolbags of primary school pupils, according to the findings of a study on the Weight of Primary School Students Bags 2017.
The study also found that 72 per cent of the weight of the bags were from stationery, private workbooks, religious school or curricular activities uniforms, food and drinks, gadgets and the bag itself.
As such, Education Minister Maszlee Malik said the ministry had formulated a strategy to resolve the issue of the heavy bags by implementing immediate measures, including drawing up guidelines and recommendations for pupils, teachers, parents and schools.
He said the ministry had recommended that schools adjust students’ timetables to include only three or four subjects a day in class, and all activities to end in class or continued to the next class, reducing homework.
Speaking at his ministry here yesterday, Maszlee said teachers must abide by the Professional Circular (on workbooks/schedules) besides giving clear instructions to students on what to bring to class each day.
He said the Professional Circular and broadcast letter would be effective from January.
He said parents must instil in their children the habit of checking and organising their bags every day.
The Weight of Primary School Students’ Bags 2017 study covers the school year, location (urban and rural), gender and type of school (national, Chinese and Tamil schools).