KUCHING: The nutritious aspects of banana and milk should be taken seriously so that they can be consumed by schoolchildren in primary schools, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
He said the compulsory consumption of banana and milk at the primary school-level will help in our children’s physical development and brain power.
Many studies have proven that banana and milk, if consumed at an early age will develop the children’s brain activities.
“During my school days I was asked to drink a glass of milk every day,” he said.
“Moreover, banana is easy to plant while milk can also be obtained locally. When refrigeration is available in the rural areas, then the consumption of milk must be considered for schoolchildren in the rural areas.
“Dairy farming should also be encouraged and enhanced for the production of milk in the country,” he said, adding that by encouraging the consumption of banana and milk, Malaysia can develop two sets of industries for the farmers – banana plantation and dairy farming!
“This plan is better than the change in school uniforms like from white shoes to black shoes. The plan by the Education Minister is very superficial and has no benefit to our children’s physical development and brain power!
“Apart from reviewing our curriculum and syllabus, from time to time, the Education Minister should also look into our children’s physical and mental development. We must allow nutritionists to give their inputs to our children’s education!” he pointed out.
