KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The Education Ministry will deploy over 10,000 new teachers nationwide next month as part of ongoing efforts to address shortages in public schools.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh told the Dewan Rakyat today that 10,096 new recruits, comprising graduates from public universities and teacher training institutes, are part of broader placement exercises that began in September.
He said the ministry has been gradually placing new teachers from both the open market and the Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching (PISMP) programme, bringing the total this year to 20,141.
“In addition, for the year 2025 the Education Service Commission (SPP) has also issued advertisements for the recruitment of Grade DG9 teachers for the year 2025 under a contract of service (COS) on August 8, 2025 and the option for Bahasa Melayu as well. This recruitment process is still ongoing,” said Wong.
He explained that the teacher recruitment process is lengthy because it involves coordination between multiple agencies, including the SPP, the Public Service Department (JPA), and the Higher Education Ministry (KPT).
“For primary schools this year, we opened intake for the PISMP programme, which takes five years from SPM level and three to four years from STPM, STAM, and matriculation. Last year we offered 6,000 places; this year we’ve increased it to 11,000. This will help us train more teachers in preparation for the next five years,” Wong explained.
“Secondly, every year we appoint permanent teachers from both the PISMP programme and the open market — including graduates from public and private universities. After completing the current batch, if we still find shortages, the ministry will make additional placements under the contract of service scheme.
“This means graduates who meet the requirements for specific subject clusters can be appointed as DG9 teachers on a contract basis. During their service, they will undergo various training programmes to fulfil the academic and professional requirements.”
Among other measures, the government has introduced learning clusters to allow teacher candidates to continue gaining academic qualifications while working, and special task forces with KPT to fast-track hiring in critical subjects.
The ministry is also revising recruitment standards for programmes like PISMP for STPM, STAM, and matriculation graduates, to widen the pipeline of qualified educators.
Teacher shortages have been reported since 2023, especially in rural areas.
