SPP Places 1,000 New Teachers In Sabah Schools

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- The Education Service Commission (SPP) has placed 1,000 new teachers in Sabah schools this year, comprising 315 in primary schools and 685 in secondary schools.

The Sabah Chief Minister’s Department, in a statement, said the matter was conveyed by SPP chairman Datuk Adzman Talib during a briefing to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in a courtesy call at Menara Kinabalu here today.

Adzman said the placements were part of the 21,348 Education Service Officers (PPP) required nationwide this year, as determined by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

“As of June 30, 2025, teacher placement in Sabah has reached 97.78 per cent, with 44,058 teachers serving compared to 45,057 approved positions across 1,298 MOE schools,” he said.

He noted that although the rate was almost full, Sabah schools still face shortages, and continuous efforts are being made to close the gap.

Adzman highlighted that one of the main challenges in the education service is the increasing number of teachers opting for early retirement. In 2024, 12,607 teachers nationwide retired early compared to 13,192 in 2023.

“In Sabah alone, 947 cases were recorded in 2024 compared to 813 the previous year,” he said, adding that heavy administrative duties and overlapping digitalisation demands were among the reasons for early exits from the profession.

He said SPP was working with MOE to identify comprehensive solutions to sustain the teaching workforce, while commending the state government under Hajiji’s leadership for initiatives to enhance educational excellence.

Meanwhile, Hajiji expressed appreciation for SPP’s role in ensuring qualified teachers are appointed to meet national education needs.

-- BERNAMA