SIBU: Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) is against the proposal to make environmental education a subject in the primary and secondary school syllabus.
Its president Jisin Nyud said there are already too many subjects in the current syllabi, pointing out that an additional one will create problems with the timetable.
“STU is not in favour with the introduction of environmental (education) subject as another additional subject in school.
“All this while, the theme has been integrated within existing subjects such as Bahasa Malaysia, English, Pendidikan Moral, Science and others,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Jisin was reacting to Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s recent statement that discussions on the proposal to make environmental education a subject in the primary and secondary school syllabus were already held, with the proposal expected to be presented to the Cabinet next year.
Wan Juanidi said top officials from his ministry and the Education Ministry discussed the proposal and were receptive to the idea of having such a subject.
The implementation of the proposal might take some time as it required further discussion, besides ensuring there were enough teachers equipped to teach the subject, he added.
On this, Jisin added: “The school has too many subjects, namely the core subjects, compulsory and additional subjects. If we’re going to add one more subject such as environmental education, then there will a problem with the timetable.
“(With) One more subject – there will be longer hours. For double-session schools, the afternoon session – with the new Secondary School Standard Curriculum (KSSM) –will definitely end their lesson late in the evening.
“We must consider our students. We can’t afford to burden them with too many subjects. Let them enjoy their school life,” said Jisin, adding that environmental education should start from home and the community itself.