Environs education syllabus on the cards
IPOH: An environmental education syllabus is expected to be introduced at the school and university level beginning 2019, said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
Wan Junaidi, who was a panellist for the Asean Dialogue in conjunction with the Pangkor Dialogue yesterday, said introducing the syllabus was a priority, to increase Malaysian awareness on issues affecting the environment.
“I think we have to change. With all this dynamic development, it is not just about money in the bank, but we must also think about our quality of life.
“Quality of life is not about having big cars, large sums of money or a big bank account. It is actually about the water we drink and the air we breathe.
“This is a big issue and this can’t be done by the government alone. Everybody must be involved, from the driver to the top management and the chief executive officers,” he said.
Other panellists were former member of the Philippine House of Representatives for Marinduque Regina Reyes Mandanas, Asian Solidarity Economy Council chairman Dr Benjamin R. Quiñones and Parliamentary Secretary at the Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs and member of parliament for Sembawang Amrin Amin.
Later at the press conference, Wan Junaidi said the ministry was at the moment in the midst of discussions with the Education Ministry at the officer level.
“Once we get an approval, this subject will be brought to the minister level. I am confident that the Education Ministry will take this proposal positively,” he said.
“I have been receiving a lot of questions as to whether this environmental subject is compulsory, but I can’t give an answer now, because this matter will be discussed further.
“Since the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has a huge scope that includes the environment, marine park, forest, air and minerals... the syllabus will include all of these.
“We will also hold a discussion with the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry on other subject matters that should be included in the syllabus,” he said.
Wan Junaidi added that the ministry was also planning to start the syllabus at kindergartens by giving them pamphlets.
“This is important so that children will learn how to love the environment and animals. We hope to instil awareness on the importance of having good environmental quality.
“I hope we will get a result by the middle of next year, and the matter will be brought to the cabinet before the syllabus can be introduced by 2019,” he said.