STU urges MoE to review decision to halt trainee allowances

KUCHING: Sarawak Teachers’ Union wants the Education Ministry ( MoE) to reconsider stopping allowances for teachers undergoing training which is slotted for implementation starting June next year.

Its president, Jisin Nyud said that the decision is too abrupt and unfair for the present trainee teachers.

He fears that it will breed animosity between the teachers if it is implemented later.

“When junior trainees see the existing trainees still getting their allowances, the juniors will not be happy. If the ministry proceeds with this plan, I believe there would no longer be a harmonious environment among the trainees themselves as there are two groups of trainees. Not only that, we are creating cliques and divisions too. We can put ourselves in their shoes so we understand from their perspective,” he said when contacted.

He added that the decision to stop the allowance will burden trainees who come from poor families, especially from Sabah and Sarawak, who are studying in West Malaysia and vice versa.

As there are four teachers’ institutes in Sarawak, many trainees will be affected by the move.

“No doubt they can apply to the National Higher Education Fund Corporation ( PTPTN) for a loan to help with their living expenses but is this fair for the new trainee teachers? Why now?

“STU is very concerned about the fate of trainees who come from poor family backgrounds, especially those who come from rural areas and the interior. These are the people who will serve in their own area once they are transferred back or promoted. Most importantly, with the 90:10 policy, STU doesn’t want our future trainees to be affected.”

Last Friday, Deputy Education Minister Datuk Chong Sin Woon announced the government will stop giving living expenses and travelling allowances for teachers undergoing training which will be implemented in June 2018.

However, the ministry will continue funding their undergraduate degree in education.

The trainees may apply for PTPTN loans for their living expenses, he said.