GEORGE TOWN: The Education Ministry is discussing with the Public Service Department (PSD) to provide incentives for teachers who further their studies to masters and doctorate levels.
Its Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said he would also seek Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's assistance on the matter.
“We are discussing it with the JPA." he said at the 48th national-level Teacher’s Day celebration here today. The celebration was launched by Dr Mahathir.
Maszlee said the ministry had also agreed to the proposal to provide insurance coverage for teachers involved in making trips outside schools for co-curricular activities.
He said the insurance would be fully borne by the ministry.
“We take note of the complaints on the SOP (standard operating procedure), where teachers had to use their own vehicles to ferry the students.
“We hope the announcement will bring a sigh of relief to all teachers,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference later, Education Department director-general Datuk Dr Amin Senin said the proposal for the insurance scheme would be brought to the Cabinet in two months.
He said Yayasan Guru Malaysia had been tasked to draw up the proposal.
“Currently, our students already have insurance coverage, and now we are taking the next step to give it to our teachers as well." he said.
More than 3,500 teachers attended the celebration at the Setia Spice Convention Centre here this morning themed “Guru, Obor Hemah Menyinari Pertiwi”.
The teachers read the “teachers’ pledge” during the ceremony, led by Amin.