Sagah: Special teacher recruitment drive results expected out before year end

by · Borneo Post Online
Sagah congratulates students from SJK(C) Chung Hua No. 6 in Kuching, who had recently represented Sarawak and Malaysia at a tech summit in China where they won awards in several categories. – Photo by Roystein Emmor

KUCHING (Nov 18): The results of this year’s special teacher recruitment drive for Sarawak are expected to be announced before the end of the year, said Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

The Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development said this would allow the newly-appointed teachers to receive their placements before the start of the next school year.

He added that further clarity on the matter would be known once the Education Service Commission (SPP) makes an official announcement.

“I believe it will be announced before the end of this year as we need to send teachers to schools ahead of the new school year, which is fast approaching.

“Therefore I am confident that we will know the outcome within this timeframe,” he told a press conference after delivering the winding-up speech for his ministry at the State Legislative Assembly today.

On non-Sarawakian candidates also called up for interviews by SPP during the recruitment drive, Sagah said his ministry had conveyed the state’s concerns as priority should be given to Sarawakian candidates.

“Of course, we cannot guarantee 100 per cent (Sarawakian teacher recruits), but it is essential to assess the needs and circumstances of teachers for Sarawak students.

“The SPP agreed and has listened to our concerns, so I hope everything proceeds smoothly,” he said.

Last month, Sagah expressed disappointment that the SPP had included 300 applicants from outside the state for the special teacher recruitment drive, which was only supposed to have been for Sarawakians.

Earlier in his winding-up speech, the minister revealed that Sarawak has been facing a shortfall of 2,000 to 3,000 teachers annually since 2017.

As a result, he said his ministry together with the SPP, Education Ministry and Sarawak Education Department carried out the recruitment drive to fill 1,733 vacancies.

“The recruitment drive across the state garnered significant interest with over 15,000 applicants. A total of 2,010 candidates were shortlisted for final interviews held in Kuching, Sibu and Miri,” he said.

He emphasised that this initiative is crucial to resolving the teacher shortage in Sarawak and ensuring that every child, especially in rural areas, has consistent access to quality education.