Education incentive payments to 2,504 senior teachers to end this month

 

The Education Ministry, in a statement today, also said it would pay outstanding ETPS payments to 1,356 senior subject teachers at secondary schools that have been upgraded to Grade A next year. - NSTP pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Education Incentive Payment Scheme (ETPS) payments to 2,504 senior subject teachers at secondary schools who are no longer eligible following the schools' regrading exercise will be discontinued from this month.

The Education Ministry, in a statement today, also said it would pay outstanding ETPS payments to 1,356 senior subject teachers at secondary schools that have been upgraded to Grade A next year.

It said that for the teachers who are no longer eligible, the ministry would implement adjustments to the ETPS repayment arrangements and ensure the process is managed prudently to avoid placing a financial burden on them.

"The ministry understands the concerns raised by the teachers regarding the ETPS following the school regrading exercise, which came into effect on Jan 11.

"The regrading exercise was carried out based on three criteria, namely student enrolment, the number of hostel residents and the level of education offered.

"Under the revised grading system, secondary schools are now classified as Grade A or Grade B. A total of 339 secondary schools were upgraded from Grade B to Grade A, while 626 secondary schools were downgraded from Grade A to Grade B," the ministry said.

Meanwhile, under the prevailing Public Service Remuneration System regulations, only senior subject teachers at Grade A secondary schools are eligible to receive the ETPS of RM120 per month.

The change in the grading status of secondary schools has directly affected 3,860 serving such teachers.

In this regard, the ministry held several engagement sessions with teachers' unions from March to July this year.

The statement added that during the sessions, the unions proposed submitting an appeal to the Public Service Department to allow Grade B secondary school senior subject teachers to qualify for the ETPS.

"Based on this proposal, the ministry submitted an appeal letter on Aug 13. However, in a letter dated Sept 23, the PSD informed the ministry that the appeal could not be considered," it said.

The ministry said it valued the contributions of senior subject teachers in overseeing subjects and improving schools' academic performance.

"The ministry is also committed to safeguarding teachers' welfare and will continue to work with all stakeholders, including unions and relevant agencies, to ensure the well-being of the teaching community," it said. - NST