14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Teachers' workload under review as ministry eyes out-of-school activity restrictions
JASIN: The Education Ministry will hold discussions to limit the number of teachers participating in out-of-school activities.
Education Department director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the move aims to reduce the workload of educators who are often involved in external assignments.
"Actually, the number of teachers who can be away in a day for such activities will also be part of our discussions," he said.
He made the remarks when closing the national-level Mahrajan al-Quran for Schools (MQSS) at Merlimau Polytechnic here today.
On Thursday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek outlined seven measures to reduce teachers' burdens, including cancelling low-impact events and appointing members of the public as examination invigilators.
She had said that the long-standing issue has been a key focus since the start of her tenure and requires a comprehensive solution.
Among the areas receiving attention are the cancellation of events deemed to have low impact and reducing the frequency of Quality Standard of Education in Malaysia (SKPM) school management audits.
Azam said one of the ministry's current main focuses is protecting teachers' instructional time through the Strengthening Instructional Time (MMI) initiative, to ensure teachers remain focused on education and pupil development.
He said the MMI, which aims to safeguard classroom teaching and learning time, requires teachers to concentrate on pupils' academic and character than being distracted by external activities with no direct educational benefit.
"That's why I've stressed to all levels, including divisions, state Education Departments and District Education Offices that all activities involving teacher movement must be properly coordinated.
"Any programme or event involving teachers must be managed in a rotational and organised manner, so the same teachers are not repeatedly involved, which could affect the learning process in schools.
"For example, if one group of teachers attends today's Mahrajan Al-Quran programme, then for tomorrow's event like the Insaniah Development Programme, another group should take part.
"We can't say teachers should never leave school, as some events like this Mahrajan contribute meaningfully to students' spiritual development, but it must be done wisely and without burdening teachers," he said.
