New subjects unnecessary to build disaster resilience in schools, expert says

Malaysia does not need to introduce additional subjects to prepare students for natural disasters and emergencies, a senior education expert has said. Noor Aziah Mohd Awal noted that disaster resilience competencies can be effectively strengthened by integrating relevant content into existing academic subjects and through structured co-curricular programmes. The approach would allow schools to build comprehensive disaster awareness and response capabilities without overhauling their current educational frameworks. By weaving disaster management principles across multiple subjects—from science and geography to social studies—students would develop practical knowledge applicable to real-world scenarios. Co-curricular activities such as emergency drills, community engagement projects and student-led awareness campaigns can further reinforce these skills in practical settings. This integrated approach is considered more cost-effective and sustainable than establishing standalone disaster-focused courses.