Latest news with #FouziSingon
Free Malaysia Today
22-06-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Toxic school culture makes teachers suffer in silence, says union
The teachers' union said many teachers with mental problems suffer in silence because they fear being judged or even dismissed. PETALING JAYA : Many teachers face mental health conditions as they are emotionally burdened due to toxic school leadership, increasing digital demands, and harassment from parents, says the National Union of the Teaching Profession. Commenting on recent news reports of teachers suffering from depression and schizophrenia, NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said an increasing number of teachers are feeling isolated and unsupported. He described the situation as critical. Fouzi Singon. Teachers who struggle with mental problems often avoid seeking help due to these fears, leading to worsening conditions, he said. 'Many suffer in silence because they fear being judged or even dismissed,' while some school heads fail to handle such cases with sensitivity or professionalism. An education activist said teacher burnout must be addressed as a systemic issue and not treated as a personal failing. Parent Action Group for Education chairman Noor Azimah Rahim said the ability of teachers to nurture students is severely compromised when they are overworked, emotionally exhausted, or subject to toxic leadership and harassment. Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim. Azimah said school leaders must be chosen not only based on their qualifications, but also on emotional intelligence and a proven ability to lead inclusive, empathetic school environments. 'We need to create a space where teachers can speak up safely. Only then can we rebuild trust in the system,' she said. Trust continues to be undermined by poorly thought-out policies, particularly a push for digitalisation which has increased many teachers' workloads. 'Many are expected to adopt new systems without the necessary tools or training, which adds to their stress,' she said. Azimah said any national education plan must put teachers at the centre, with a focus on readiness, proper access and meaningful consultation. Both NUTP and PAGE called on the education ministry to urgently review school management standards and provide proper mental health support to prevent teachers from burning out. On Tuesday, Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said a teacher who had not reported for duty since last September, and whose decomposed body was found in her home on June 12, was believed to have suffered from depression. On Thursday, Perak police chief Noor Hisam Nordin said a teacher who allegedly posted offensive remarks about the recent bus crash in Gerik that killed 15 university students is believed to be suffering from a psychiatric condition. The teacher was reported to have made a public apology last week and claimed to suffer from schizophrenia. Noor Hisam said police have recorded the teacher's statement and are awaiting a medical report.
New Straits Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Support structures needed to ensure mandatory schooling works, say advocates
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has lauded the Education Ministry's move to legislate mandatory schooling until a child reaches 17 years of age. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said the initiative should be accompanied by a special programme for students who do not perform well academically. "They do not continue their education because they cannot keep up academically. "The Education Ministry should provide special learning centres focused on hands-on skills. "This would ensure that those falling behind in literacy and numeracy continue to see school as offering long-term benefits. "Vocational learning centres should be available for students as early as Form 1 in every state to support these learners," he said, speaking from his personal experience as a teacher. He said that despite financial hardships, children should not abandon their education to work, as education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Meanwhile, Parent Action Group for Education (Page) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said schools should implement early intervention systems to identify at-risk students based on attendance, behaviour, and academic performance. There should be strong counselling and mentoring programmes in place, with close collaboration between families and community leaders, she added. The government should also introduce relevant, practical curriculum options such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for students less inclined toward academic tracks, along with support for mental health, learning disabilities, and socioeconomic challenges. Earlier, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry was targeting the implementation of single-session schooling across more than 10,000 schools nationwide by 2030 to facilitate the expansion of preschool classes. Fadhlina said one of the ministry's special projects involves screening children with special needs, which will also be expanded to the preschool level. Azimah said these initiatives align with global best practices and demonstrate the government's serious commitment to improving access to quality education for every child. "Early detection and support for children with special needs is also long overdue, without it, many children fall through the cracks and are never given a fair chance," she said. However, she added that some parents, especially in low-income or rural communities, may struggle to adapt to the government's new policies. "For them, sending a child to school means transportation costs, meals, uniforms, and a loss of potential income. "Therefore, comprehensive subsidies, such as free meals, transportation assistance, and preschool fee waivers, are essential," she said. It was reported that the amendments to the Education Act 1996 would be tabled in the parliament next month to make it compulsory for children to receive education until the age of 17. Under the existing policy, every parent of a citizen residing in Malaysia must ensure that their child receives six years of compulsory primary education.
Free Malaysia Today
18-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Teachers don't lack time to complete syllabus, says NUTP
NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon suggested that the ministry reassess all high-impact programmes, including those he said only serve to waste the time and emotional efforts of teachers. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has denied that teachers are short on time to complete the syllabus, insisting that total schooling days remain consistent each year. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said schools operate according to the official calendar set by the education ministry, with no fewer than 190 school days per year. 'Schools have administrative assistants, department heads, and committee heads to manage each subject. 'Teachers know what they're doing to ensure the success of their students every year. Co-curriculars have been planned by the ministry, education department, district education departments, and schools,' he told FMT. Fouzi was commenting on teachers' concerns that a large portion of the syllabus remained uncompleted despite the academic session already passing the halfway point. Yesterday, Anuar Ahmad of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia claimed that numerous programmes organised by administrators, both within and outside of school, had disrupted teaching schedules. He said the academic session this year was also shorter, with the next one to begin in January. Fouzi said teachers understood their responsibilities and were fully committed to ensuring their students' success, but also acknowledged that some schools ran programmes outside of the yearly plan. 'There is no denying that some schools have not properly considered whether the programmes implemented will have an impact on students' education, or are simply to fulfil the demands of their management,' he said. He suggested that the ministry reassess all high-impact programmes, including those which he said only served to waste the time and emotional efforts of teachers. 'Programmes not scheduled in the calendar don't have to be run. The World Bank report that Malaysian students spend an average of 11 years in school but learn the equivalent of only eight years must be taken into account and acted on by the ministry,' he said.
Daily Express
17-06-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Teachers don't lack time to complete syllabus, says NUTP
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Anne Muhammad, FMT Text Size: NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon suggested that the ministry reassess all high-impact programmes, including those he said only serve to waste the time and emotional efforts of teachers. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has denied that teachers are short on time to complete the syllabus, insisting that total schooling days remain consistent each year. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said schools operate according to the official calendar set by the education ministry, with no fewer than 190 school days per year. Advertisement 'Schools have administrative assistants, department heads, and committee heads to manage each subject. 'Teachers know what they're doing to ensure the success of their students every year. Co-curriculars have been planned by the ministry, education department, district education departments, and schools,' he told FMT. Fouzi was commenting on teachers' concerns that a large portion of the syllabus remained uncompleted despite the academic session already passing the halfway point. Yesterday, Anuar Ahmad of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia claimed that numerous programmes organised by administrators, both within and outside of school, had disrupted teaching schedules. He said the academic session this year was also shorter, with the next one to begin in January. Fouzi said teachers understood their responsibilities and were fully committed to ensuring their students' success, but also acknowledged that some schools ran programmes outside of the yearly plan. 'There is no denying that some schools have not properly considered whether the programmes implemented will have an impact on students' education, or are simply to fulfil the demands of their management,' he said. He suggested that the ministry reassess all high-impact programmes, including those which he said only served to waste the time and emotional efforts of teachers. 'Programmes not scheduled in the calendar don't have to be run. The World Bank report that Malaysian students spend an average of 11 years in school but learn the equivalent of only eight years must be taken into account and acted on by the ministry,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
02-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
No need for teachers to lead mass movements again, says NUTP
NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said teachers aren't as visible as before but still play an important role in criticising government leaders, especially on social media. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) says there is no pressing need for teachers to lead mass movements as they did in the past, given today's political and social landscape. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said teachers remain important voices when criticising government leaders, especially on social media, even if they are no longer at the forefront as before. He said the landscape has changed, with Malay society now more diverse and materialistic, meaning the old model of teacher-led activism is no longer necessary. 'In the past, Malay society did look to the teachers to lead nationalist movements. But the situation today does not demand such mobilisation,' he told FMT. Fouzi's remarks came in response to Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah's call for Malay teachers to revive their historic role in activism that helped shape Malaysia's independence, culture, and politics. Saifuddin said Malay teachers should serve as catalysts, contributing ideas, community leaders and political activists to steer the nation's future. Fouzi agreed that teachers remain key agents of political change, though their contributions often go unrecognised. 'Their current role is to preserve Malay and Eastern socio-cultural values and empower the younger generation to build the nation,' he said. 'It is important not to sideline teachers in national agendas. Their views must be taken seriously. With 420,000 teachers nationwide, it's possible they could mobilise if the time is right.'
