Pupils no longer encumbered by heavy bags
SIBU: Sarawak Teachers’ Union ( STU) thanked the Education Ministry for ‘ freeing’ primary school children fromheavy school bags.
Its president Macky Joseph said: “The circular dated Sept 12, 2018 was issued following a study by the ministry which found pupils bringing too many books to schools with other unnecessary items adding to the weight of their bags.
“The circular signed by deputy director- general ( educational operation sector) Aminudin Adam tells teachers to advise their pupils to bring only textbooks, activity books and other items required based on their timetable.”
Meanwhile, it was recently reported that the guidelines, contained in a circular dated Sept 12 last year had outlined measures and suggestions for school, teachers, parents and students to reduce the weight of school bags.
The study found that in some cases the required textbooks and workbooks only made up 28 per cent of the bags’ gross weight.
The rest were exercise books, dictionary, comic books, water bottles, food, sports attire and other items.
According to the circular, bags should be no heavier than 15 per cent of the children’s body weight, while school should discuss with parent-teacher associations to identify what more could be done. The guidelines also urged schools to put up posters or brochures with tips on how to lighten school bags.