CALL TO MEDIA TO ENHANCE SCIENCE COVERAGE

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- The media should set up a science desk to
enhance their coverage and dissemination of information on scientific
advancement.

This is one of the resolutions endorsed at the two-day Science is
Interesting Seminar organised by the Institute of Islamic Understanding
Malaysia (Ikim) which concluded here Monday.

Ikim chairman Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid said efforts to strengthen science
journalism should be given more emphasis in line with major strides in
scientific developments but ironically the local media coverage had been
incomprehensive.

The media could beef up science coverage by producing more science writers
and journalists as they could add scientific value, philosophy and awareness, he
said in a statement Tuesday.
He said the seminar had proposed local universities to introduce science
journalism and writing courses.

The seminar has also proposed the setting up of a new ministry or for an
existing ministry to incorporate science as a culture, thought, practice,
education and teaching.

"It could be named the education and science ministry as science is not
merely confined to innovation and the environment but also encompass culture,
thought and practice," said Ahmad Sarji.

The seminar was aimed at changing the misconception of the people on science
besides instilling Islamic values in science curriculum in schools.
-- BERNAMA