By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 11: Sarawak still face a shortage of teachers due to a low number of qualified candidates, despite receiving thousands of applications under the Sarawak Special Teacher Recruitment programme.
Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD), Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said that while the Education Service Commission (SPP) has been actively addressing the issue, vacancies remain high as many applicants do not meet the required qualifications.
“The shortage is primarily due to the limited number of individuals with specialised educational credentials,” he was quoted by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) as saying at the opening ceremony of the Borneo International Robot Tournament 2025, held at a local hotel here today.
Citing data from the Sarawak Education Department, Sagah revealed that 96 per cent of schools in the state currently have teachers for the required subjects. However, he expressed hope that upcoming graduates from teacher training institutes will help fill the remaining vacancies.
“Sarawak has over 1,200 primary and secondary schools, with an average of one teacher vacancy per school,” he added.
On concerns about teachers declining placements in rural areas, Sagah said such decisions are based on personal preferences.
When asked whether those who refuse postings would be blacklisted, he clarified that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the SPP.
“Those who turn down placements will not be given another opportunity, as the decision lies in their own hands,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
