Nibong tebal: The MADANI Government is making significant strides in addressing the shortage of teachers, achieving a nationwide placement rate exceeding 98 percent, according to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She highlighted that less than two percent of teaching positions remain vacant, with 53,000 teachers appointed since 2022 to fulfill the staffing requirements of schools.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this achievement underscores the government's commitment to diligently addressing teacher shortages. With the current placement rate reaching 98 percent, Fadhlina emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to resolve teacher shortages as they arise. She shared these remarks with reporters following the MADANI Adopted School handover ceremony by the Public Service Commission (SPA) at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Bakap, officiated by SPA Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus.

Fadhlina, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Nibong Tebal, assured that teacher placements would be promptly managed whenever vacancies occur, preventing schools from experiencing a lack of teaching staff. Addressing concerns about newly appointed teachers failing to report for duty after Monday's placements, she stated that the issue is not severe, given the small number involved, and that it is being closely monitored.

The Education Ministry (MOE) is actively collecting information to understand the reasons behind this issue and is committed to addressing any underlying factors that may have hindered teachers from reporting for duty. Fadhlina expressed the need for time to gather all necessary data and assured that late registration is not problematic, as the MOE still requires these teachers. The urgency of their presence in the assigned schools is acknowledged, and a swift resolution is sought.

Recent media reports indicated that seven teachers recruited through the Sarawak Special Teacher Recruitment have resigned, while 51 others have yet to report for duty.