KUCHING: The issue of teachers being assigned to teach subjects outside their area of specialisation in Sarawak is under control.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said proactive measures taken by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Sarawak State Education Department have helped minimise its impact.
He noted that experienced teachers were assigned to subjects they are already competent in, even if these differ from their original options.
“Many teachers in Sarawak also hold multiple subject qualifications, allowing schools to optimise deployment more effectively,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Sagah said redeployment between schools is carried out where necessary, while taking into account teachers’ welfare and transfer distance.
He added that continuous training and professional development are also provided to support teachers teaching outside their original options.
Sagah acknowledged that teacher recruitment and placement remain challenging, particularly in remote and rural schools, where turnover is higher due to geographical factors.
“However, close cooperation between the MOE, the Education Service Commission, and the Sarawak Government has helped reduce the impact.
“New teacher placements planned for 2026 will help address existing vacancies, including in Sarawak,” he said.
On teacher shortages in Sarawak, Sagah said the matter had been reported to the MOE and is being addressed in collaboration with the Education Service Commission, which manages and oversees the recruitment and selection process.
He noted that Sarawak is currently facing teacher shortages in several subject areas. At the primary school level, shortages involve Preschool Education, Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, Special Education (Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi — PPKI), Remedial Education, and Islamic Education.
He said at the secondary school level, shortages are mainly in Bahasa Melayu, Design and Technology (Reka Bentuk dan Teknologi — RBT), and Physical and Health Education (Pendidikan Jasmani dan Kesihatan — PJK).
“Most vacancies occur due to teacher transfers and retirements, which are part of normal workforce movement,” he added.
Asked whether greater autonomy in education would be a solution to Sarawak’s persistent challenge in attracting and retaining qualified teachers, Sagah said autonomy alone is not a complete solution, especially in remote and rural areas.
He explained that personal and family considerations, such as spousal placement and urban living preferences, also influence decisions.
“However, increased autonomy could allow for more flexible, locally-responsive strategies, including targeted recruitment, specialised training for critical subjects, and placement approaches that reflect Sarawak’s unique geography and context,” he said.
