In what seems like a dream development for Malaysian schoolchildren, the education ministry has ordered students to watch more television to improve their English, reports said today.

The move is among a series of strategies to boost standards among students of science and mathematics, which have been taught in English since 2002, the New Straits Times said.

"We cannot underestimate the role of television in educating our children," education director-general Ahamad Sipon was quoted as saying.

"It is important. Students should watch more television, especially educational English programmes such as Animal Planet."

A ministry survey showed many students, especially from rural areas, were struggling with the subjects taught in English. Other subjects in state schools are taught in Bahasa Malaysia, although English is a compulsory subject.