Sarawak records 97.82 pct teacher placement rate, says Deputy Minister

KUCHING (Feb 5): Sarawak recorded a 97.82 per cent teacher placement rate as of Dec 31, 2025, with 42,315 teachers serving out of 43,257 approved positions, said Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.

“In 2025, the Ministry of Education (MOE) also placed 3,237 new teachers in Sarawak based on existing vacancies and subject option requirements,” he told the Dewan Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur today.

Wong was responding to a question from Roy Angau Gingkoi (GPS–Lubok Antu), who asked about the ministry’s efforts to resolve teacher placement issues in Sarawak and the factors contributing to Bachelor of Education graduates still awaiting permanent appointments as Education Service Officers (PPP) Grade DG41.

He explained the recruitment of teachers is managed by the Education Service Commission (SPP) based on existing vacancies and subject option needs determined at the MOE level.

“All candidates must undergo the screening and selection processes set by the SPP, fulfil the service scheme requirements, match the subject cluster, pass the interview and be certified medically fit by a registered medical practitioner before appointment by the SPP,” he said.

Wong said the ministry consistently gives attention to teacher placement nationwide to ensure teaching and learning in schools can be carried out effectively.

To a supplementary question by Roy, Wong said graduates with formal education training from Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) and public universities are given priority by MOE in teacher appointments.

He added that graduates without formal education training from public universities may be appointed on a contract of service basis if vacancies or shortages remain, followed by graduates from private and overseas institutions.

Roy had asked whether the ministry would prioritise long-serving temporary teachers, including graduates from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi), who have served for two to three years but have yet to secure permanent placement despite ongoing teacher shortages in Sarawak.