KOTA KINABALU: The unending shortage of teachers in national-type Chinese schools (SJKC) in Sabah requires serious attention and immediate action to ensure that the quality of education is preserved, says Datuk James Ratib said.
The Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister said the shortage of teachers not only affects the teaching and learning process but also disrupts the smooth daily operations of schools.
He said efforts to place locally trained teachers must be strengthened so that locally trained teacher graduates can serve in the state.
“The issue of teacher shortages in SJKC must be addressed in a practical and integrated manner so that a quality and inclusive education system remains in place,” he said.
He said this after meeting with the Sabah Chinese National-Type School Committees Association (Sabah Dong Lian) at his office Tuesday (Feb 3).
The association submitted an Education Memorandum outlining the challenges faced by SJKC schools in the state.
At the same time, James praised the role of the Chinese community in strengthening Sabah’s educational landscape.
“Continuous cooperation between the state government and stakeholders is very important to ensure that the future of education in the state can be strengthened together,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Dong Lian chairman Datuk Ben Lim Kiat Kong said the shortage of teachers in SJKC is a chronic issue that requires comprehensive solutions with the support of the state government.
He hoped that the state government would consider policy measures and practical action that can be implemented immediately to assist the affected schools.
He appreciated the Chinese education community in Sabah for their continued commitment to the principle of “education for all,” which benefits students of various ethnic backgrounds and contributes to the development of education in the state.
