THE Education Ministry will deploy more than 10,000 new teachers across Malaysia next month as part of ongoing efforts to tackle persistent shortages in public schools. At the same time, around 600 assistant dormitory wardens will be appointed to reduce the workload on existing wardens and enhance school safety.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh told the Dewan Rakyat that a total of 10,096 new teachers — graduates from public universities and teacher training institutes — will form part of a placement exercise that began in September. He said the ministry has already placed 20,141 teachers this year through both the open market and the Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching (PISMP) programme.
“In addition, for the year 2025, the Education Service Commission (SPP) has issued advertisements for the recruitment of Grade DG9 teachers under a contract of service scheme, with options available for Bahasa Melayu as well. This recruitment process is still ongoing,” Wong said.
He explained that the teacher recruitment process is lengthy as it requires coordination between multiple agencies, including the SPP, the Public Service Department (JPA), and the Higher Education Ministry (KPT).
“For primary schools this year, we opened intake for the PISMP programme, which takes five years for SPM graduates and three to four years for those from STPM, STAM, and matriculation. Last year we offered 6,000 places; this year we have increased it to 11,000. This will help us train more teachers to meet demand over the next five years,” he said.
Wong added that contract-based DG9 teachers will also be appointed to fill subject-specific gaps. “Graduates who meet the requirements for specific subject clusters can be appointed on a contract basis. During their service, they will undergo training to fulfil academic and professional requirements.”
The ministry is also introducing learning clusters to allow teacher candidates to continue academic studies while working, and has set up special task forces with KPT to expedite hiring in critical subjects. Entry standards for programmes such as PISMP are being revised to widen the pipeline of qualified educators.
Teacher shortages have been reported since 2023, with rural and remote schools hardest hit.
On student welfare, Wong said the ministry will appoint around 600 assistant dormitory wardens under the MySTEP programme to support existing wardens and strengthen monitoring in schools. “We acknowledge the roles of school wardens and discipline teachers not only in looking after students in dormitories but also being the front line in identifying victims of bullying,” he said.
Since 2019, the Education Service Commission has allowed schools to appoint wardens from non-teaching staff. “At the same time, around 600 assistant dormitory wardens will be appointed to increase monitoring and reduce the burden on wardens,” Wong added.
Teachers serving as wardens will also receive exemptions from certain duties, such as attending the first session of classes, participating in fewer co-curricular activities, and being exempted from class teacher appointments.
Previously, retired police and army officers were considered for full-time warden roles, a pilot scheme currently ongoing at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM). The appointment of additional wardens follows calls for stronger measures to combat bullying, including prevention, monitoring, early intervention, and firm action against offenders and negligent administrators. - October 28, 2025
