In a statement to FMT, it said it would be more effective to apply aspects of environmental education in the preschool, primary and secondary school curriculum.

The ministry was responding to former natural resources and environment minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar who had argued for the inclusion of such a subject following remarks by an education group that it was unnecessary as part of formal education.

At the preschool level, the ministry said, environmental education is applied through the “Saya dan Alam Sekitar” theme.

In primary schools, meanwhile, aspects are included under subjects such as Science, under the title “Kepentingan Sumber Air dan Bahan Buangan”, and in Islamic education studies under “Adab Terhadap Alam Sekitar”.

“In secondary schools, the environmental aspect is applied in the subjects of Geography, Science, Biology, English and Bahasa Melayu.

“For instance, in Geography, environmental education is taught under the title ‘Isu dan Pengurusan Alam Sekitar’. In the Science subject, the environment falls under the title ‘Biodiversiti dan 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)’,” it said, adding that pupils would be given assignments accordingly.

Through this approach, it said, pupils would carry out studies and readings on the environment to complete their assignments.

This would then enhance their love of the environment instead of merely allowing them to gain theoretical knowledge.

“The modules which have been developed are used as reference and additional guidelines by teachers and students on biodiversity and the environment, such as the Global Sustainability module,” it said.

This was further enhanced through club and association co-curricular activities and school-organised activities such as gotong-royong and recycling campaigns, it added.

“Aside from that, school involvement in the Sustainable School Environmental Award also takes into consideration student and community involvement in making caring for the environment a culture.

“Hence, the ministry is of the view that applying environmental-related values is more effective in changing behaviours, with its implementation cutting across curriculum and co-curriculum,” it said.

The idea of an environmental education subject in schools was proposed by the Malaysian Nature Society. However, the Parent Action Group for Education said there was no need for this, with its chairman Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim saying “daily lessons” on issues like recycling could be taught by parents and teachers.

But Wan Junaidi, who is Santubong MP, said environmental education was still a necessary topic as issues related to the environment had become more complex and technical and were not just about “throwing rubbish”.