KUCHING: The Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) has urged the government to maintain the RON95 petrol subsidy of up to 300 litres monthly for teachers in the state.
The call was made during the officiation of the STU Sarikei Division Annual General Meeting on Saturday (May 16), where concerns were raised over the high transportation costs borne by teachers, particularly those serving in areas far from their schools.
STU said teachers in Sarawak carry responsibilities beyond classroom teaching, including accompanying students to sports competitions, co-curricular programmes and various activities held outside school compounds.
“Teachers are not only teaching in classrooms but are also actively involved in sports activities and transporting students to competitions and programmes held at stadiums, halls and activity sites,” the union said in a statement.
STU also highlighted that many teachers are forced to commute long distances daily due to the shortage of staff quarters in schools across the state.
“As many schools do not have sufficient quarters for all teachers, many are compelled to travel from home to school every day, significantly increasing fuel consumption,” it said.
The union further pointed out that many schools still lack official transport vehicles, forcing teachers to use their own vehicles to transport students, including during emergency situations.
“Numerous requests have been made for government-provided transport vehicles, but many schools still do not have official transportation.
“As a result, teachers continue using personal vehicles to fulfil their responsibilities,” the statement added.
In view of the situation, STU urged the government to take into account the cost burden faced by teachers in Sarawak and retain the monthly 300-litre RON95 subsidy as a form of support and recognition for their role in national education development.
During the event, incentive contributions were also presented to children of union members from Sarikei, Julau and Kanowit who excelled in public examinations.
