KUALA LUMPUR: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek today has reiterated that the shortage of teachers nationwide is only temporary.
Fadhlina said she acknowledged the concern expressed by several members of the parliament (MPs) over the problem when debating the Supply Bill 2024 at the committee stage for the Education Ministry.
"I take note of what is being raised by several MPs on this issue. Rest assured that this issue is only temporary.
"We are working together with the Education Service Commission (SPP), Teachers Education Institute (IPG) and the Higher Education Ministry (MoHE) to ensure this matter will be addressed in the best possible way," she said during the winding-up session in Dewan Rakyat today.
Fadhlina said the shortage of teachers is happening at all types of schools.
Meanwhile, Fadhlina denied claims that the ministry was insensitive to the Dayak community celebrating the Gawai.
She insisted that engagement sessions were conducted with several stakeholders such as the National Union of Teaching Profession, Sarawak Teachers' Union, Sabah Teachers' Union, as well as Sabah and Sarawak Education Departments, before the fixing of the school days, school holidays and additional festive holidays.
"The ministry has issued the Academic Calendar for 2024/2025 for government schools and government-aided schools dated Nov 3."
Fadhlina said the celebration of Hari Gawai Dayak is during the first term school holiday which started from May 25 to June 2, 2024.
"All the teachers and student will continue with the holiday in conjuction with the official birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong on June 3.
"The school session for all will resume on June 4."