KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak is in need of 3,239 teachers, with the Igan parliamentary constituency itself having 91 vacancies, according to the Education Ministry’s statistics as of August 31.
So far, the state has up to 39,695 teachers, out of a total of 42,934 teaching staff needed.
In a written parliamentary reply to Ahmad Johnie Zawawi (Igan-GPS), the ministry said the shortage of teachers is temporary, mostly due to retirement, internal transfers, deaths and resignations.
It added that recruitment has expanded to high-potential graduates from private and international universities for critical subjects such as English, Malay, Design and Technology, and Islamic Studies.
The ministry is also looking into hiring teachers on Contract of Service (CoS) among graduates who don’t have teaching degrees.
“CoS teachers will be provided with appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes under the Postgraduate Education Diploma Programme (PDPP) for one year before being given permanent positions.”
On October 7, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said 9,500 new teachers were expected to be recruited this November, and that immediate placements would be made as the interview process was completed.
Earlier, when debating the 2024 Supply Bill, Johnie suggested the ministry appoint more Sarawakian youth as teachers, especially for schools in their respective hometowns. – October 27, 2023