Tak perlu subjek baharu ajar murid hadapi bencana, kata pakar

Expert supports introducing self-reliance and resilience skills in schools to help students handle disasters, but argues it does not require a new subject. Child and family law expert Noor Aziah Mohd Awal states these skills can be strengthened through existing syllabus and co-curricular activities. She tells FMT that disaster preparedness skills can be taught at specific times, rather than needing a new subject.

Former child rights advisor to Human Rights Watch Mumtaz Nawi proposes the government introduce self-reliance and resilience syllabus in schools, especially in light of potential Super El Niño phenomenon with temperatures potentially exceeding 41 degrees Celsius. She recommends drill simulations between students to teach them how to act during emergencies.

She also recalls a school in Japan that conducted disaster drills monthly due to earthquakes and tsunamis. Noor Aziah notes students at such school would take their bags and hide under desks before following teachers' instructions to descend stairs slowly to a safe location. The expert also highlights lack of fire drill practice in some Malaysian schools and suggests simulating disaster scenarios like flood and strong wind, including through co-curricular activities.

Meanwhile, Parent-Teacher Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairperson Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim also believes no need to add curriculum load for implementing these skills. She says Malaysia's Ministry of Education (KPM) already has guidelines on environment, climate change and public health which need strengthening so students understand how to act in different risk situations.

"What is most important is to emphasize how students think to assess risks and actions to take," she tells FMT. PAGE president Mohamad Ali Hasan also suggests KPM strengthen management guidelines on disaster response and present them in a way that is easier for students to understand. He also proposes KPM hold regular public lectures in collaboration with parent-teacher associations and school alumni.

He believes this is important for students and teachers to get the latest information, especially on climate change and natural disasters. "Guidance from experts in related fields is important to give guidance on steps to be taken before, during and after disasters," he adds.