The Ministry of Education has taken measures to minimise textbooks being brought to school, apart from the exercise books prepared for students.

The measure was taken to reduce the weight of children's school bags.

The Education Ministry said health units have highlighted that school students may face various physical issues including spinal cord disorders, due to the weight of the school bag.

Accordingly, the Ministry said measures were taken to print selected textbooks in batches, in a bid to reduce the weight of the students' school bags.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Education has also issued a circular to all principals, with the relevant guidelines.

It states that a stringent programme should be formulated for students to keep their textbooks in the classroom safely.

The circular also issues directives for instructions to be issued for a group of students to bring one textbook each.

The proposals to reduce the weight of the school bag also include instructing students to use one book instead of several books for certain subjects.