KUDAT: The Sabah State Government Teachers’ Union (KGKS) has appealed to the Public Service Department (JPA) and Ministry of Education (KPM) to review the strict enforcement of the 25-kilometre straight-line travel claim limit in the State.
KGKS president Murkam Hussien (
pic) said the measure does not reflect the geographical realities in Sabah, where rugged terrain and limited road access often make actual travel distances far longer.
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He cited SK Penimbawan in Tuaran as an example, where travel by boat takes 10–15 minutes, but the road route stretches 78km, highlighting the disconnect between policy and practical travel.
Murkam said the union had received complaints from members whose salaries were docked or who were ordered to repay allowances in instalments, sometimes amounting to tens of thousands of ringgit.
He said affected teachers were shocked to receive deduction notices without prior consultation, with some reportedly forced to take loans or sell their cars to settle repayment demands.
The RHA claim process involves district officers verifying the 25km distance before clerks and headmasters approve claims, which Murkam said meant others should also share accountability.
KGKS is urging JPA and KPM to conduct on-site engagements in Sabah to explain the policy and prevent further hardship for teachers serving in remote areas.
