Placement of 1,108 new teachers a good start- Sarawak Education Minister

KUCHING: The placement of 1,108 new teachers in Sarawak is commendable and a good start, however, it will not resolve the overall issue of a shortage of teachers in Sarawak, said State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

According to him, based on the MEITD’s engagements with the State Education Department (JPNS), Education Services Commission (SPP) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), Sarawak would still require at least 1,500 teachers in various disciplines to fill the vacant posts.

“For this reason, it is imperative for all parties to ensure the shortage of teachers issue is addressed holistically. As far as the Sarawak government is concerned, through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Committee this issue has been prominently discussed, and recommendations have been put forward to MOE and SPP.

“Among them is the delegation of power in recruiting new teachers from SPP to MOE. We hope that swift action will be done by the relevant parties to ensure the issue of teacher shortage in Sarawak is something of the past,” he said in a statement, today.

Earlier today, JPNS said it received 1,108 new teachers consisting of graduates from public and private universities of which 422 teachers will be placed in primary schools and the remaining 686 teachers in secondary schools, effective this Thursday (Dec 28). - Bernama