KOTA BARU: The fate of 2,600 contract of service (COS) teachers appointed in the June 2020 intake will be resolved when their contracts are expected to be extended for two years.

       Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin said the details will be announced later after his ministry and the Education Service Commission (SPP) complete their discussion on the matter.

       “We saw many raising issues related to COS and conveyed the problem to the ministry. Hence the issue is being handled based on existing rules and procedures,” he said.

       “I would like to clarify that some say that they are not getting the May salary, which is not true because we will ensure that the teachers’ welfare is protected,” he told reporters when met at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at his residence near Ketereh here yesterday, Bernama reported.

       Elaborating further, the Senior Minister said the ministry is constantly in talks with teachers on the best approaches for those on contract service basis.

       On Wednesday, Radzi, in a post on his Facebook and Twitter accounts, instructed the matter be given attention and resolved immediately.

       On a separate matter, Radzi said the ministry will look into the issue of teachers opting to retire early.

       Each case will be reviewed so that further action could be recommended, he said.

       “We are conducting a more in-depth study by taking into account the data from 2017 again,” he told reporters.

       “This is because like in any other service, there will be those who opt for early retirement as it is a matter of choice,” he added.