Environmental studies a subject in schools?

> Discussions with Education Ministry ongoing, says natural resources deputy secretary-general

PETALING JAYA: Environmental studies will likely become a standalone subject in Malaysian schools to educate the younger generation on biodiversity and climate change.

Discussions on the matter are ongoing between the Education Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Seri Azimuddin Bahari said discussions started a few months ago.

“The minister (Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar) has instructed us to work together with the Education Ministry to come up with modules and subjects on the environment,” he said at a forum “Connecting the Dots: Fighting Climate Change” at Taylor’s University yesterday.

“Coming up with the modules or subject structure and getting qualified teachers to teach the subject are some of the challenges we face,” he said.

On how the subject would differ from existing environment topics covered in core subjects in schools, he said it would be an indepth study of the environment, with more topics like wildlife and biodiversity.

The forum was organised by a European Union (EU) delegation in collaboration with Taylor’s University to raise awareness on climate change among Malaysians.

At the event, ambassador and EU delegation head to Malaysia Maria Castillo Fernandez commended Malaysia’s efforts in fighting climate change.