KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) - The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is planning to introduce environmental education as a subject in schools.

Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the ministry would hold discussions with the Education Ministry on the proposal.

"The ministry is serious in addressing environmental pollution and one very effective way is through early education at schools," he told reporters after opening the ministry's Innovation Symposium 2017 here, on Monday (Feb 20).

At the event, Wan Junaidi witnessed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding between the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) and three companies. 

The three companies are Buminiche Trading Sdn Bhd (research collaboration in the development of bamboo for construction), Kanger International Bhd and Transwater Tenaga Sdn Bhd (cooperation in the research and development of Agarwood).

Commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's Facebook post yesterday voicing concern about uncontrolled pollution affecting rivers in the country, Wan Junaidi said he would work together with the Selangor government to seek ways to improve the water quality in Sungai Gombak and Klang.

"Public awareness about the preservation of the environment, especially rivers is very low," Wan Junaidi said.

River pollution is largely due to the actions of the people themselves who throw garbage into the river Wan Junaidi said he would hold talks with Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd on the best way to clean up the rivers, including using new technology equipment.

Besides, the ministry also intends to work with the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development and the Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government in cleaning up rivers across the country, he said.