KOTA KINABALU: Sabah teachers are calling for improved facilities, particularly school infrastructure and housing for teachers in rural areas.
The Sabah Government Teachers' Union (KGKS) president Murkam Hussien, welcomed the federal government's RM67bil allocation for education under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), adding that special attention needed to be given to improve basic infrastructure.
He said that inadequate, poor quality or even non-existent housing for teachers remains a major challenge in several rural areas of Sabah, which affects their welfare and indirectly undermines the quality of teaching.
"If we want dedicated teachers to continue teaching in remote areas, we need to provide a comfortable and safe environment for them to live in. Teacher housing is not a luxury but a necessity," added Murkam.
He also suggested that 13MP addresses several issues to strengthen educational development in the state, which includes enhancing digital facilities and Internet access in rural schools and promoting continuous training for teachers.
"It should also comprise driving the development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) that aligns with local potential," he stated.
Murkam said the education allocation under 13MP was a crucial move that deserves backing from all stakeholders.
He stated that focusing on the education sector was timely, especially in efforts to bridge the development gap between regions and ensure more equitable access to education in rural and remote areas.
