Education Ministry to Tap Reserve Teachers Ahead of 2027 School Intake | KiddyNews

The Education Ministry (MOE) will prioritise reserve candidates listed by the Education Services Commission (SPP) to address teacher shortages ahead of next year’s school session.

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the ministry will focus on reserve candidates whose subject specialisations align with areas expected to face shortages.

Preparing for Increased Classroom Demand in 2027

Wong said the move is part of early preparations for 2027, when a potential increase in Year One enrolment is expected following the option for six-year-olds to enter primary school voluntarily.

He explained that existing projections from Teacher Education Institutes (IPG) were based on a single intake cohort, prompting the need for additional staffing plans.

To meet this demand, the MOE will work with the SPP to appoint 20,000 teachers on a Contract of Service (COS) basis.

Contract Appointments to Bridge Teacher Gaps

According to Wong, the ministry will appoint additional teachers this year to ensure schools are adequately staffed for the following academic year.

Where necessary, candidates without specific subject specialisations may be appointed under the COS arrangement to support teaching needs arising from the expanded intake.

He said this approach allows the ministry to respond quickly and flexibly to staffing requirements linked to enrolment changes.

Responding to Parliamentary Queries

Wong was responding to a question from Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau), who asked whether early childhood education graduates from IPG or higher education institutions would be absorbed into the DG9 grade to address the projected teacher shortfall in 2027.

Teacher Placement Progress in Sarawak

In a related update, Wong said 3,237 new teachers were placed in Sarawak last year based on vacancies and subject requirements.

As of Dec 31, 2025, Sarawak recorded 42,315 teachers in service out of 43,257 approved positions, representing a fill rate of 97.82 per cent.

Recruitment Based on Needs and Standards

Wong said all teacher recruitment by the SPP is conducted based on vacancies and subject specialisation needs determined by the MOE.

Candidates must undergo the SPP’s screening process, meet service scheme requirements, match the relevant subject cluster, pass interviews, and be certified medically fit before appointment.

He added that the ministry remains committed to strengthening teacher recruitment and working closely with the SPP to ensure teaching positions nationwide are filled in a timely and effective manner, providing greater stability and continuity for schools, teachers and families alike.

Source:

The Star  – “Education Ministry to prioritise reserve candidates to meet next year’s teaching needs”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond.