PUTRAJAYA, Aug 15 — The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has developed an animal welfare resource pack (PSKH) to be used as a teaching and learning support material at all preschools under the Education Ministry (MOE) nationwide.
Developed in collaboration with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) and the Preschool Sector of the MOE's Curriculum Development Division, the resource pack aims to instil a culture of love and care for animals among preschoolers.
“In addition, the resource pack is also vital to shaping a culture of responsible pet ownership, especially for the younger generation in the country,” it said in a statement today.
The PSKH, among others, contains four animal-themed children’s songs, a video on pet care (cats), a bilingual storybook titled “Fara Loves Animals”, a guide for teachers, and a “Yummy” card game.
The “Fara Loves Animals” storybook will be distributed in stages to all preschools from this year until 2026.
In addition, the resource pack will be uploaded to the DVS website and the Curriculum Development Division’s portal as well as the BPK-SumberKu Repository.
Earlier, MAFS deputy secretary-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Mohd said that the initiative could provide early education to students at the preschool level so they will be compassionate towards animals and foster a loving society towards all living beings.
“I would like to suggest to the MOE that educators in all schools guide students to love and care for animals with compassion to prevent neglect and cruelty towards animals.
“When there are cases that go viral about cruelty to animals involving teenagers and school students, it is very concerning because such actions should not occur among underage students in the country,” he said during the launch of the PSKH at SK Putrajaya Presint 16(2) today.
— Bernama