KUALA LUMPUR: With the recruitment of 20,173 new teachers last year, the Education Ministry said over 97% of teaching positions in its schools have been filled.
In a parliamentary written reply dated Wednesday (Jan 28), the ministry said there had been an increase in the hiring trend as 20,173 teachers were recruited and placed at its schools last year compared with 13,983 teachers in 2024.
"Meanwhile, the number of optional retirements approved by the Public Service Department shows a downward trend. In 2025, a total of 4,271 teachers (0.99%) opted for retirement, compared with 5,082 teachers (1.17%) in 2024," it said.
With the placement of 20,173 new teachers in 2025, the current teacher post occupancy rate nationwide stands at 97.68% as at Dec 31, 2025, it added.
The ministry said due attention is given to the deployment of teachers in primary and secondary schools nationwide to ensure that teaching and learning can be carried out effectively.
"The ministry remains committed to addressing issues related to teacher deployment while ensuring that welfare continues to be safeguarded.
"This is implemented through phased recruitment strategies, including interviews and appointments conducted twice a year, as well as by strengthening cooperation with the Education Service Commission and the Higher Education Ministry to ensure an adequate supply of education graduates based on critical subject options," it said.
All teacher recruitment processes are carried out based on existing vacancies and subject option requirements in the schools of the ministry, it added.
