Chinese language teachers shortage nationwide

Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi said that the current shortage of Chinese language teachers in national schools is worrying as many are expected to retire in the next 5 to 6 years.

“Currently, a significant proportion of Chinese language teachers in national schools are over 50 years old, indicating a severe shortage of teachers in the coming years.

“If not addressed promptly, this could lead to a crisis in Chinese language teaching in primary schools within the next 10 to 20 years,” she said, reported Sin Chew Daily.

“This will result in fewer students choosing Chinese as a subject for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), exacerbating the shortage of Chinese language teachers in primary schools,” she added. 

She said this at the Malaysia Sigong Prosperity Association, Kluang branch’s 2nd fundraising gala dinner yesterday.

Last year, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said their data show there is a surplus of Chinese language teachers at vernacular schools. 

However, she later clarified that all public schools, not just Chinese and Tamil schools, are experiencing a teacher shortage.

According to Dong Jiao Zong, the ministry’s statistics were flawed as it separated the teachers in accordance with the subjects they teach. 

Because of this, the statistics inaccurately indicated an excess of Chinese language teachers, Dong Jiao Zong said.