RM20,000 allocation for teachers with critical illnesses: Tiang

SIBU: Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee will allocate RM20,000 to the Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) Sibu Branch starting next year to assist teachers suffering from critical illnesses.

He said that the allocation is specifically designated for this purpose and is an addition to the annual allocation for the STU Sibu Branch.

“STU Sibu Branch Chairman Yong Sie Hing had appealed to me to assist teachers with critical illnesses. I fully agree. This is just the beginning. I will discuss further with the STU committee led by Yong on how to implement this,” he said.

He said this during the Academic Incentive Presentation Ceremony for the STU Sibu Branch held at the STU premises at Jalan Wong King Huo today (Sept 7).

Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, urged all teachers to continuously maintain their mental health, as the demands of the teaching profession can sometimes lead to stress and burnout.

According to the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM), 6,394 teachers, or 1.49 percent of the total teaching workforce, were granted early retirement last year.

“Certainly, there are many factors leading to this. It could be due to heavy workloads from a lack of teachers, policy changes, administrative issues, digitalization of education, pressure from parents and the community, and so on.

“There must be a support system for these teachers so they can face their constantly challenging tasks. You are never alone,” he added.

Therefore, Tiang suggested that teachers engage in recreational activities that help them relax, which, in turn, would have a positive impact on their work.

He added that a positive impact on their work would also create a positive impact on their students and inspire them to perform better.