Latest news with #54thNationalTeachers'Day


New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
NUTP welcomes move to ease teacher transfer rules, calls for transparent system
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's decision to ease teacher transfer conditions is a long-overdue relief for educators facing pressing personal circumstances, particularly those dealing with family or health-related challenges, said the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP). NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said allowing teachers to apply for transfers after just two years of service without additional conditions would have both emotional and professional impacts, especially for those who have waited years to move closer to home. He said the move would particularly benefit teachers dealing with family or medical issues, enabling them to serve with greater focus and emotional stability. "We thank Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and the Education Ministry for listening to the voices of teachers and making this bold decision. "It provides immediate relief for those facing urgent family challenges, health concerns, or other pressing circumstances," he told the New Straits Times. Fouzi added that while not all teachers intend to apply for transfers as soon as they become eligible, the option will significantly assist those in need. "We believe most teachers want to remain committed to their posts, but in some cases, being able to move closer to home will enable them to perform better and serve more effectively," he said. However, Fouzi emphasised that a proper system must be in place to prevent the new flexibility from being exploited. "We hope a dedicated committee can be established to fairly evaluate each application, ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of this opportunity," he said. Previously, the Education Ministry required teachers to serve at least three years before submitting transfer requests, and even then, applications were subject to strict conditions and limited quotas. Fadhlina announced the new policy on Friday (May 16) during her speech at the 54th National Teachers' Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). She said the ministry would now accept applications from teachers who have completed two years of service, without any additional conditions. Commenting further, Fouzi said health issues and divorce were among the main reasons cited by teachers applying for transfers. "Most of the applications we receive are related to the need for ongoing medical treatment at a specific hospital or family matters such as divorce," he said. "For instance, in the case of Cikgu Din, his wife was battling cancer, and he wanted to be by her side to care for her. Situations like this demonstrate the importance of considering transfers based on family, health, and even safety concerns." Last year, the case of Cikgu Din drew national attention after he reportedly developed mental health issues from being separated from his wife, who was undergoing cancer treatment in Kelantan. His initial transfer request was denied as he had not yet completed the three-year service requirement. Cikgu Din, who was teaching in Kanowit, Sarawak, had been travelling back and forth every two weeks to care for his wife. The ministry later approved his transfer, allowing him to teach at a school closer to her.

The Star
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Education Ministry relaxes transfer rules for teachers with two years of service
KUCHING: The Education Ministry (MOE) is now allowing transfer applications from teachers who have served for at least two years. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the applications can also be made without any additional conditions "This decision was made after taking into account various views as well as the Madani government's commitment to the well-being of teachers,' she said in her speech at the 54th National Teachers' Day celebration here Friday (May 16). Also present was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Previously, teachers were not allowed to apply for transfers within the first three years of service. Fadhlina said the ministry has appointed 1,470 teacher assistants for 2025, with selected schools -based on set criteria, to receive two assistants each. "MOE will also send selected teachers and officers for short-term overseas courses to gain knowledge and experience in specialised fields. This initiative involves an allocation of RM4mil,' she added. At the event, Fadhlina announced that 32 teachers will be sent to international schools in the United Kingdom at no cost under the Global Immersion For Future-Ready Teachers (GIFT) programme. In addition, she said teachers will be entitled to a 20 per cent discount on flight tickets through the MH GOM portal, with further details to be announced later. - Bernama

Barnama
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
MoE Relaxes Transfer Rules For Teachers With Two Years Of Service
KUCHING, May 16 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Education (MOE) is now allowing transfer applications from teachers who have served for at least two years. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the applications can also be made without any additional conditions 'This decision was made after taking into account various views as well as the MADANI government's commitment to the well-being of teachers,' she said in her speech at the 54th National Teachers' Day celebration here today.


The Sun
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
MOE relaxes transfer rules for teachers with two years of service
KUCHING: The Ministry of Education (MOE) is now allowing transfer applications from teachers who have served for at least two years. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the applications can also be made without any additional conditions 'This decision was made after taking into account various views as well as the MADANI government's commitment to the well-being of teachers,' she said in her speech at the 54th National Teachers' Day celebration here today. Also present was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Previously, teachers were not allowed to apply for transfers within the first three years of service. Fadhlina said the ministry has appointed 1,470 teacher assistants for 2025, with selected schools -based on set criteria, to receive two assistants each. 'MOE will also send selected teachers and officers for short-term overseas courses to gain knowledge and experience in specialised fields. This initiative involves an allocation of RM4 million,' she added. At the event, Fadhlina announced that 32 teachers will be sent to international schools in the United Kingdom at no cost under the Global Immersion For Future-Ready Teachers (GIFT) programme. In addition, she said teachers will be entitled to a 20 per cent discount on flight tickets through the MH GOM portal, with further details to be announced later.


Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Governor: Teachers agents of intellectual development, catalysts for holistic reform
Wan Junaidi and Fauziah have thanked teachers for their contributions and sacrifices for the state and country. KUCHING (May 16): Teachers are the foundation of education and are central to the progress and prosperity of both the country and state, said Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. In a special message for the 54th National Teachers' Day today, the Governor of Sarawak and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, extended their heartfelt wishes to all educators across Malaysia, especially those serving in Sarawak. He said Teachers' Day, commemorated annually on May 16, is a timely reminder to acknowledge the dedication, service, and sacrifices of teachers throughout the years. 'Teachers are the pillars of our education system, which in turn forms the bedrock of national and state development. 'Without them, our children would not gain knowledge, would lack vision, and may not be equipped to face current and future challenges,' he said. This year's celebration theme is 'Guru Pemacu Reformasi Pendidikan' (Teachers Driving Educational Reform). 'This focus is about enhancing the quality of education through a teacher-centric transformation system. Teachers today are not just conveyors of knowledge — they are also agents of intellectual development and catalysts for holistic reform,' Wan Junaidi said. He encouraged schools to hold unique celebrations to appreciate teachers, suggesting simple gestures such as poetry recitals or personalised cards shared on social media. 'What matters most is the sincerity of appreciation. Teachers are the ones who not only teach reading and writing, but who also shape values, character, and the future of our children.' He also acknowledged the unique challenges faced by educators, particularly those teaching in rural and interior areas with limited infrastructure such as poor roads, inconsistent electricity, and unreliable water supply — many of whom are separated from their families. 'Nevertheless, these hardships have not broken their spirit. Our educators remain dedicated and committed to delivering quality education regardless of location.' Wan Junaidi expressed confidence in the Ministry of Education's continuous efforts to address the welfare of teachers across Malaysia and ensure they are provided with sufficient support and amenities, especially those in remote areas. Quoting a local proverb, he said: 'Jasa guru umpama matahari, menyinari tanpa mengira waktu dan penat lelah' (The teacher's contribution is like the sun, shining tirelessly regardless of time and fatigue). 'As former students ourselves — whether as parents or members of society — let us always keep our teachers in our prayers,' he added. lead teachers Wan Junaidi