Transfer move a big relief for teachers

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent government’s announcement of the restructuring of the teacher transfer process, where applications can be made up to four times a year, has been lauded by teachers.

The move gives them a better opportunity to be transferred to places of their choice.

Senior Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin said teacher transfers would be made in March, June, September and December every year.

A teacher, who wanted to be known only as Ahmad, said he had been waiting for his transfer application to his hometown in Kelantan to be approved for the past 12 years.

“My reason for applying was that I wanted to take care of my ailing parents who were suffering from chronic diseases. Both my parents have passed away but my application is still not approved,” he told Bernama.

Ahmad said his wife, who is also a teacher, is also facing a similar problem as her application to be transferred to Kelantan has yet to be approved.

A teacher in Malacca, who only wanted to be known as Sue, said she submitted her application 16 years ago after her husband died, but so far there had been no response.

National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Wang Heng Suan said the move provided a brighter transfer opportunity for teachers.

“However, the Education Ministry needs to ensure that the changes made involve immediate replacement to avoid gaps and disruption of the learning system for students.

“Consideration must be given to teachers who have been separated from their spouses for a long period,” he said.

National Parents-Teacher Association Collaborative Council president Assoc Prof Datuk Mohamad Ali Hasan said the ministry had made a thorough study to improve the education system in the country.

“The role of teachers is very important in developing skills and characters of students.

“There needs to be a balance of teachers in the urban and rural areas, especially specialist teachers. The transfer should be allowed after a certain period of time so that they would not get bored teaching at the same school.”