Putrajaya is set to deploy more than 10,000 new teachers across Malaysia beginning November, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle teachers shortages in public schools particularly in rural areas.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh told the Dewan Rakyat that a total of 10,096 new recruits, comprising graduates from public universities and teacher training institutes, will be placed nationwide next month. This is part of a broader recruitment exercise that began in September, bringing the total number of teacher placement in 2024 to 20,141.
He explained that the latest deployment includes teachers from the open market as well as those graduating from the Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching (PISMP) programme. The Education Service Commission (SPP) has also initiated recruitment for Grade DG9 teachers under the Contract of Service (COS) scheme for 2025, with applications still ongoing.
To strengthen the teaching workforce, Wong said the ministry has increased the number of PISMP programme intakes this year to 11,000, up from 6,000 last year. The programme, which trains teachers over five years for SPM school leavers and three to four years of STPM, STAM, and matriculation graduates, aims to produce a sustainable pipeline of qualified educators over the next five years.
“Secondly, every year we appoint permanent teachers from both the PISMP programme and the open market — including graduates from public and private universities. After completing the current batch, if we still find shortages, the ministry will make additional placements under the contract of service scheme.” he said.
Under the COS scheme, eligible graduates will be appointed as DG9 teachers on a contract basis while receiving professional and academic training during their service.
To further support recruitment, the ministry has introduced learning clusters to allow teacher candidates to pursue higher academic qualifications while working, and formed tasks forces with the Higher Education Ministry to fast-track hiring for critical subjects such as science, mathematics, and languages.
Additionally, the Education Ministry is revising recruitment standards for teacher training programmes such as PISMP for STPM, STAM and matriculation graduates to wide the entry pool of qualified candidates.
Teacher shortages have been persistent challenge since 2023, especially in rural and remote schools, but the ministry’s latest deployment and reforms signal a strong commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s teaching workforce and ensuring equitable education access for all students.
Sources: MalayMail
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