Environmental studies to be standalone subject in school

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.
Deputy Secretary General of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry Datuk Seri Azimuddin Bahari said discussions between the two ministries 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 in Taylors University today.
Azimuddin added some of the challenges would be coming up with the modules or subject structure and getting qualified teachers to teach the subject.
When asked how this subject would differ from existing environment subjects covered in core subjects in school, he said this subject would be an in-depth study about the environment and would encompass more topics like wildlife and biodiversity.
The European Union Delegation, along with Taylor's University, organised a forum "Connecting the Dots: Fighting Climate Change" to raise awareness on climate change among Malaysians.
Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez applauded Malaysia's dedication in fighting climate change and reduced emissions and also emphasised the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in raising awareness on climate change among Malaysians.