on science and technology In an effort to Increase the scientific manpower skilled In the uti I lsatlon of modern scientific techniques. Various technical Institutions were established to train middle level technicians and In the primary and secondary schools. students are encouraged to enter the science stream rather than the arts stream as an overal I plan to equip the nation with enough scientific and technical manpower. Perhaps the most significant move by the government to boost scientific and technological activities In the country Is the establishment of the Ministry of Science. Technology and the Environment. The establ lshment of the Ministry represents a spin off consequential to the promulgation of-the •Rukunegara• and the launching of the New Economic Polley <NEP} with the ultimate aim of having a central agency or Ministry reponslble for the planning. promotion and coordination of ai I scientific and tech­ nological activities and developaent In the country. The Ministry, as first established In 1973, was known as the Ministry of Technology. Research and Local Government. Shortly after In 1974, the Ministry underwent a change and was renamed the Ministry of Technology. Research and Coordination of New Villages. A number of agencies were placed under Its Jurlsdlca­ tlon I.e. the Natton~l Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR), the Standards Institute of Malaysia {SIM) and the Chemistry Department. As a result of the govern.ent's aware­ ness of the need to create a Ministry solely responsible for guiding scl~nce and technology develop .. nt In the country. a single Ministry responsible for science. technology and the lG-1 environment was eventually created In 1976. The Mlnstry's role was further strengthened by the establishment of the National Council for Scientific Research and Development. This councl was primarily set up to advise government on scientific and technolo­gical matters. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be focused on the establishment and role of a ministry responsible for science, technology, and the environment in a country. The text highlights the government's efforts to increase scientific manpower, establish institutions, and promote scientific and technological activities. This suggests that the text is related to the development and application of scientific knowledge and technology.

**Category**
Science and technology