PETALING JAYA: Giving teachers the option to request for a transfer after just two years of service can make the profession more appealing to the younger generation, say stakeholders.
Universiti Malaya Faculty of Education senior lecturer and teacher-trainer Dr Zuwati Hasim said allowing teachers to apply for transfers after just two years of service is a welcome move for improvement of existing practice.
Among the benefits, she said, is providing ease of mind for those who intend to go into teaching by reducing the fear of being stuck at a place far from family for too long.
It can also prevent burnout caused by long travels due to geographical divide (long distance relationship and for those who are pursuing their studies), she said.
At the same time, she added, it can also reduce or prevent fatigue, emotional and mental health issues among teachers.
“By making teaching more dynamic and responsive to personal circumstances, the profession may attract and retain more committed individuals, ultimately strengthening the education system,” she said.
Zuwati was responding to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s announcement yesterday that the ministry will now allow transfer applications from teachers who have served for at least two years.
Previously, teachers were not allowed to apply for transfers within the first three years of service.
However, Zuwati also said that the ministry needs to be cautious and ensure that teachers are posted according to their subject expertise, not just to fill up the vacant post based on location requested.
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Meanwhile, Malaysian Association for Education (MAE) secretary Hamidi Mookkaiyah Abdullah said this could lead to better morale and motivation among teachers.
“Teachers may feel more motivated knowing they have the opportunity to transfer if they are unhappy or seeking a change, leading to increased job satisfaction,” he said.
He added that educational quality can also be improved as transfers can help match teachers’ skills, preferences or specialisations with the needs of different schools or regions.
At the same time, school authorities can better manage staffing shortages or surpluses, he said.
However, Hamidi Mookkaiyah said frequent transfers may lead to instability, affecting students’ learning continuity and teachers’ ability to build long-term relationships with students.
He added that teachers from certain regions or backgrounds might have more or fewer opportunities to transfer, leading to inequality.
“The key to maximising benefits and minimising drawbacks lies in establishing transparent, fair policies and ensuring that transfers serve the best interests of both teachers and students,” he added.
Adding on, educationist and former Universiti Malaya professor Tan Sri Dr T. Marimuthu said this move would help protect a teacher’s welfare.
“If a teacher is unhappy, it’s better to let them go than have someone who doesn’t want to be there,” he said.
“However, a teacher who’s been in a school for two years knows the students, the teaching and learning process.
“When they leave, another teacher has to come in and start fresh.”
“But, I believe the Education Ministry would have considered all of this. There will be administrative problems, but I believe they can overcome this,” he added.
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon thanked Fadhlina for listening to their proposal to shorten the application period for teacher transfers to at least two years.
“This will ease the emotions of teachers who are in dire need of consideration for their transfers for certain reasons such as treatment, divorce and death issues, and personal safety issues,” he said, adding that he hopes a special committee is formed to manage this.
