Sabah teachers call for clear guidelines on after working hours messaging
Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 Text Size: Murkam said rules must also apply to those issuing instructions, not just to teachers receiving them. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government Teachers' Union (KGKS) supports the National Union of Teachers in the Public Service (NUTP)'s call for the Education Ministry to issue clear guidelines on instructions sent through messaging apps like WhatsApp. KGKS President Murkam Hussien said clear rules are needed to avoid confusion, especially when teachers are asked to attend non-urgent online meetings after working hours. 'We don't want teachers to be disturbed unnecessarily by school administrators or district education offices outside of working hours,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. He stressed the importance of protecting teachers' personal time and urged the Ministry to act quickly. Murkam added that the guidelines should be easy to understand and applied consistently across all schools to avoid abuse of communication platforms. He also said teachers, especially in Sabah, often face extra challenges such as poor internet access and long travel distances, making it more important to manage work instructions properly. His statement comes as the Ministry of Education continues to monitor the use of social media among teachers. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had earlier warned that any misuse of these platforms would lead to strict disciplinary action. Murkam said rules must also apply to those issuing instructions, not just to teachers receiving them. 'This is not about avoiding responsibility. It's about setting clear limits so teachers can carry out their duties without unnecessary pressure after hours,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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