SIBU: Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) is calling for flexibility in the planning of the proposed new Road Safety Education module (PKJR) to be introduced in all primary schools by 2019.
Its president Jisin Nyud said yesterday that the proposal should depend on how the topic is integrated, and its relevancy.
Alternatively, he suggested that the module be taught during extra-curricular activities.
Jisin Nyud
Jisin was commenting on Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing’s winding-up speech at the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting, stating that PKJR to be inserted into the Bahasa Melayu subject would be introduced in all primary schools by 2019.
Masing, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation, also said the module which included graphics, highway codes and safety guidelines among others would be taught for two periods a week by trained road safety teachers in 1,264 primary schools throughout Sarawak.
Jisin said: “Teaching the module which includes graphics, highway codes and safety guidelines among others for two periods a week by trained road safety teachers in 1,264 primary schools throughout Sarawak is not necessarily fixed as such.
“The reason is that pupils of mixed ability and experiences, will perceive things differently. Pupils from the rural areas might find it hard to grasp or relate those signs in their daily lives as there are no such facilities available around them.
“So, there must be flexibility in planning this topic depending on how the topic is integrated, and the relevancy. Otherwise, this module can be also taught during extra-curricular activities.”
He said they agreed with the introduction of the new PKJR to be inserted into the Bahasa Melayu subject in all primary schools by 2019.
“It is good also to nurture a safe, considerate driving attitude among the pupils from an early stage.
“By doing this they will have better knowledge and understanding on road safety. Thus, it will reduce the rate of mishaps when driving on road in any condition.” Jisin said.
Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS), on the other hand, said they are strongly against the proposal.
Its president Ahmad Malie said they opposed the suggestion as they are concerned it might burden the teachers when implementing the PdP (teaching and learning) of this module.