Over 5,200 teachers opt for early retirement as ministry steps up recruitment efforts

MORE than 5,200 teachers have chosen to retire early under approvals granted by the Public Service Department between 2021 and 2024, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek revealed, representing 1.24 per cent of the ministry’s total teaching workforce.

In a written reply to Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (PH-Beruas) in Parliament, Fadhlina explained that the majority of early retirees, accounting for 67.44 per cent, cited a lack of interest in continuing their teaching careers as the main reason.

Family issues were cited by 17.43 per cent, health concerns by 7.69 per cent, workload pressures by 5.37 per cent, and personal matters by 2.07 per cent.

Addressing concerns about teacher shortages and administrative burdens, Fadhlina outlined the Ministry of Education’s proactive measures to ensure teaching and learning in schools remain uninterrupted.

“As of 22 September, 10,045 new teachers have been placed in Ministry of Education schools,” she said.

The ministry is currently appointing an additional 10,096 new teachers from the open market and graduates of the Institut Pendidikan Guru’s Bachelor of Teaching Programme (PISMP), with placements scheduled for November.

“This will bring the total number of teachers already appointed or soon to be placed this year to 20,141,” Fadhlina noted.

Looking ahead, the ministry has increased its 2025 PISMP intake to 11,000 candidates, up from 6,300 in 2024.

Strategic collaboration has also been strengthened through a joint secretariat established in March between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education to tackle teacher shortages.

“Permanent teacher recruitment continues twice a year, while the Education Service Commission accepts applications year-round to expedite hiring and placement,” Fadhlina added.

The ministry is also expanding alternative pathways into the profession through the Diploma in Education for Graduates Programme (DPLI) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Education Programme (PDPP), enabling individuals from non-education backgrounds to join the teaching profession. -November 25, 2025