Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has recorded an encouraging teacher staffing rate, with more than 96 per cent of approved teaching positions in primary and secondary schools filled as of April 30 this year.
Sabah Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin said that, based on the approved staffing establishment, 26,468 teachers, representing 96.9 per cent of the 27,320 approved positions, had been placed in primary schools.
For secondary schools, the staffing rate reached 99.2 per cent, with 15,506 teachers appointed out of 15,625 approved positions.
“This achievement reflects the continued commitment of the Ministry of Education, the Sabah Education Department, District Education Offices and schools in ensuring that teaching requirements at every educational institution are adequately met,” he said at the 2026 Sabah State School Management Appreciation Ceremony (MAPenS) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here, recently.
Raisin said that although the current achievement was highly encouraging, efforts to achieve 100 per cent teacher staffing would continue to be strengthened through various strategic initiatives.
These include the placement of new teachers, the realignment of human resource distribution and more effective teacher mobility management.
“At the same time, special attention is being given to ensuring a balanced distribution of teaching options and specialisations so that every subject is taught by teachers with the appropriate qualifications and expertise.
“This is essential to ensuring the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process while guaranteeing that every student in Sabah has access to quality, equitable and inclusive education,” he said.
Meanwhile, Raisin also conveyed his appreciation to Sabah educators who brought honour to the State through their achievements at the 2026 National Teachers’ Day Celebration.
He said the accomplishments demonstrated that Sabah educators continue to be at the forefront of educational excellence, innovation, leadership, volunteerism and dedication in ensuring positive student outcomes.
Among the national award recipients from Sabah was Dr Velerie Wheelervon Primus of SK Bingkor, Keningau, who received the Education Minister’s Special Award, while Siti Norfadthia Adila Jumaat of SK Chinta Mata, Tenom, received the Teacher Icon Award (DELIMa Teacher).
Also honoured were Sabriah Japrin of SMK Pekan Telipok, recipient of the Innovative Secondary School Teacher Award, and Roger Samin of SK Pinggan-Pinggan, Pitas, who received the Special Education Award for Volunteerism.
Mohd Sharif Taip of SK Tiong Widu, Tambunan, received the Special Education Award for Dedicated Rural Teachers, while Mohd Al Khalifa Mohd Affnan of Keningau Vocational College was recognised with the Distinguished Educator Award for Lecturers.
Aaron Charles of SK Palak, Pulau Banggi, received the Distinguished Educator Award for Indigenous Teachers, while Zaini Jainudin of SK Pendidikan Khas Tuaran received the Distinguished Educator Award for Teachers with Disabilities.
In a further boost for Sabah’s education sector, teacher Lorenica Frenila Masundin of SK Bawang K9, Beluran, brought pride to both the State and the nation by winning two Gold Awards through her educational innovation, PAntas baCA Jawi (Pasca), at an international innovation competition held at Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia, from June 3 to 6.
Raisin said these achievements were not only a source of pride for the schools and districts involved but also for the entire education community in Sabah, demonstrating that Sabah teachers are capable of standing alongside the best educators in the country.
“The awards received are not merely recognition of individual excellence but a symbol of the commitment of all Sabah educators who continue to strive to provide quality education, nurture students’ potential and realise the aspirations of the Malaysia Education Development Plan 2026–2035,” he said.
He expressed hope that these achievements would inspire educators across the State to continue innovating, strengthen professional teaching standards and nurture students who are academically successful, morally upright and capable of becoming the nation’s future leaders.
