Gov't has taken steps to improve command of English language, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has taken various initiatives to improve the command of the English language among teachers and students in both urban and rural areas.
Education Minister 2 Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said that to improve the teaching standards and usage of the language among students, the ministry has introduce the Uphold Bahasa Malaysia & To Strengthen the English Language policy (MBMMBI) in 2011 at the primary school level.
"In addition to that, more time is allocated for the teaching of the English Language in both primary and secondary school curriculum (KSSR and KBSM)," he said in a written reply to Senator Datuk Dr Lucas Umbul in the Dewan Negara.
He added teachers are required to go though various programmes including the Aptis test, Professional Upskilling of English Language Teachers (Pro-ELT) programme and Intensive Course in English Language Teaching (ICELT) to improve their command of the language.
"The ministry priorities the command of the language through these programmes. But the success can only be achieved if there is awareness among students, teachers, parents and the community that the command of the English Language is crucial for the future generation," he added.