POH: Teachers in Perak are advised to not apply for early retirement, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said he had received several reports on teachers in the state requesting for early retirement due to Covid-19.
"I've received several reports saying that some teachers have lost focus and the will to teach due to Covid-19 and have applied for early retirement. Teachers play a vital role in education and they are the motivators for students,” said Saarani
"Unless it is due to health reasons, I hope that teachers in the state would not apply for early retirement due to Covid-19," he added after launching the Smart G-Tution and Free Food programme for students taking major exams at a hotel here Thursday (Feb 17).
It was reported in June last year that the Education Ministry recruited over 18,000 teachers in four states - Sarawak, Selangor, Sabah and Johor - that were facing a shortage.
Separately, Saarani said Covid-19 cases in schools were still under control.
"We want to thank teachers and parents who have helped to curb positive cases at schools.
"So far the numbers in the education clusters in Perak are still manageable," he said.
A check on the Health Ministry's CovidNow portal revealed that there were at least 15 education clusters reported in Perak from Feb 3 to 14.
On a separate matter, Saarani said a total of RM600,000 has been allocated for the Smart G-Tuition.
"This is a free tuition service provided by four different online centres for M40 and B40 students in the state,” said Saarani.
He added that it will start around March and will benefit more than 600,000 students and said that Perak will also start its Free Food Programme
"We have received a total of RM3.45mil from six government-linked companies for the programme,” said Saarani.
"This initiative will be channeled to 33,119 students in Perak who are taking major exams such as Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM) and more," he added.