Sarawak’s ongoing need for teachers prompts call for holistic solutions

KUCHING: Approximately 1,500 teachers across various disciplines are needed to fill vacant teaching positions in Sarawak.

Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said a holistic approach is required to address the ongoing shortage.

He said that the placement of 1,108 new teachers in Sarawak is a good start, but will not resolve the overall issue of teacher shortages in the state.

“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 the Education Ministry (MoE) and Sarawak Branch Education Services Commission (SPP).

“Among others is the delegation of power in the recruitment of new teachers from SPP to MoE.

“We hope that swift action will be taken by the relevant parties to ensure the issue of teacher shortages in Sarawak is something of the past,” he said in a statement today (Dec 23).

Sagah said MEITD has been discussing the issue diligently with all the relevant parties, which include the MoE, SPP, and JPNS.

On top of that, he said the ministry has brought the matter to the attention of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

“Based on the Ministry’s engagements with JPNS, SPP, and MOE, Sarawak would still require at least 1,500 teachers in various disciplines to fill in the vacant posts.

“For this reason, it is incumbent on all parties to ensure the issue of shortages of teachers is addressed holistically,” he stressed.

The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) said in a statement today (Dec 23) that they have received 1,108 new teachers, consisting of graduates from public and private universities, for posting in the state.

The department said of the total, 422 teachers were given placement in primary schools and the remaining 686 teachers in secondary schools, effective December 28.