KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry will place 20,141 new teachers in primary and secondary schools nationwide this year to fill existing vacancies, said Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.
He said that out of the total, 10,045 teachers have already been placed, while the remaining 10,096, comprising candidates from the open market and the Bachelor of Teaching Programme (PISMP), will begin their postings at the ministry’s schools next month.
“As of Sept 22, 2025, a total of 10,045 new teachers have been assigned to the Education Ministry schools.
“The ministry is now finalising the placement of 10,096 more teachers from the open market and PISMP graduates.
“They will be placed in November, bringing the total number of new postings this year to 20,141,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to Azli Yusof (PH–Shah Alam), who had asked for details on the number of teacher vacancies by state, subject option, and candidates still awaiting placement.
Wong said that as of Aug 31, this year, the total approved teaching positions nationwide stood at 431,128.
The three states with the highest staffing levels are Putrajaya (100 per cent), Sabah (98 per cent), and Labuan (97.7 per cent).
“Four states recorded staffing rates below 96 per cent — Johor (95.31 per cent), Pahang (95.47 per cent), Sarawak (95.93 per cent), and Penang (95.97 per cent),” he added.
Wong acknowledged that there is still a need for teachers in specific subjects, particularly special education, as well as Bahasa Melayu, English, Physical and Health Education, Design and Technology, Islamic Education, and Moral Education.
He said the ministry remains committed to ensuring adequate teacher numbers across the country to maintain effective teaching and learning by collaborating with the Education Service Commission (SPP), Public Service Department and Finance Ministry to boost teacher recruitment each year.
“Among the measures taken are allowing SPP to open applications year-round and conducting teacher recruitment twice a year. The hiring of contract teachers has also been expanded to include graduates from both public and private universities.
“Additionally, the ministry has set up a special committee with SPP to address teacher shortage issues,” he said.
Responding to a supplementary question from Azli on complaints from teacher candidates who passed interviews but were still waiting for placements, Wong said this was part of the normal process for open market candidates — those from public and private universities.
“For this category, applications are usually opened in February, followed by interviews and the Teacher Qualification Test (UKCG) around April and May.
“After that, SPP will conduct the selection and screening process. These candidates will also be placed in November. The process typically takes longer compared to PISMP graduates because it involves recruitment, interviews, and qualification assessments — all managed by SPP,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
