Zahid (centre) touches the ceremonial cube to officiate the launch of the 54th national Teachers’ Day celebration. Accompanying him are Fadhlina and Sagah. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (May 16): The Ministry of Education (MoE) is targeting the Teacher Wellbeing Index to exceed 80 points as part of its continuous efforts to enhance the quality of education and uplift the welfare of teachers nationwide.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry’s inaugural survey on teacher wellbeing recorded a composite score of 77.65, indicating a ‘good’ level of wellbeing among Malaysian educators.
“This is a positive start, but there is still much room for us to improve.
“A higher level of wellbeing is critical to ensuring that our teachers remain committed and passionate in realising the national education reform agenda,” she said in her welcoming speech during the 2025 national-level Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
In this regard, Fadhlina called on all key stakeholders under the MoE—including division directors, state education department (JPN) heads, district education officers, school principals, and headmasters—to work together in raising the index to above 80 points.
“This is the first time we are implementing this index, and while 77.65 is a good starting point, we want to push further and ensure our teachers achieve a very high standard of wellbeing,” she added.
She also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to resolving long-standing issues raised by the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP), including those related to DG48 promotions, school grading, and institutional models that have yet to be finalised.
“We hear you, and we are addressing your concerns. What we can resolve today, we will. What needs time, we will work on it. All of this is part of our collective concern for the teaching profession.”
In a series of announcements aimed at recognising and supporting teachers, Fadhlina said that starting next year, the MoE will relax the conditions for teacher transfer applications.
“Teachers will now be eligible to apply for transfers after completing just two years—or 24 months—of service, with no additional conditions.”
She also revealed that the ministry will appoint 1,470 MyPG teacher assistants in 2025, with selected schools—based on internal studies— each receiving two teacher assistants to ease the workload of educators.
“To reward excellence, 32 outstanding teachers will be sent to the United Kingdom under the ‘Global Immersion for Future Ready Teachers’ programme, where they will undergo upskilling and collaborate with educators abroad.
“In addition, the ministry is allocating RM4 million to support the participation of teachers and officers in short-term overseas training programmes in selected fields.
“There will also be smaller but meaningful benefits, including discounts on flight tickets and book vouchers. We believe these gestures, however modest, will be appreciated by our teachers,” added Fadhlina.
The event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Also in attendance were Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi; Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development; Datuk Rubiah Wang; and Education director-general Datuk Azman Adnan.
The post Education Ministry targets Teacher Wellbeing Index above 80 appeared first on Borneo Post Online.
