KUCHING, Oct 18: Sarawak is currently facing a pressing need to recruit more than 3,000 teachers to address the vacancies left by retiring educators and those who have been transferred to other states.
In a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee emphasised that efforts taken to mitigate the teacher shortage issue are moving in the right direction.
In an optimistic development, he revealed, some 9,500 additional teachers are set to be recruited this November.
“Sarawak should be given priority in the placement of teachers.
“If we are given half of that number, then the problem of teacher shortage in Sarawak can be resolved,” he said.
Dr Annuar highlighted this during a press conference after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Hikmah Islamic Technology College and Sarawak Skills Development Centre (PPKS) and Darul Ridzuan Skills Institute at Wisma Hamizan here ysterday (Oct 17).
He further stressed that the Federal Ministry of Education (MOE) needs to enforce rigorous adherence to teacher placement guidelines, even taking stringent measures against individuals who flout these rules.
“The issue of teacher shortages in Sarawak is not a new thing. It has been going on for a long time.
“Sarawak needs to be given priority in terms of the placement of new teachers as a crucial step to overcome the rather serious shortage of teachers afflicting the State,” he reiterated. — DayakDaily
