(Kuching, 30th) Over 1,500 new teachers who successfully passed the interview process in Sarawak will begin their teaching roles in mid-January 2025.
Sarawak Education Department Director Omar Mari stated that the Education Service Commission has completed the interview procedures and results have been delivered to the successful interviewees.
"All interviewees have received their results. Currently, the Ministry of Education is coordinating placements through the electronic graduate system. I have been informed that deployment is nearing completion, and they are expected to start teaching in mid-January."
He said this when interviewed by reporters after paying a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari at the National Father's Building office today.
This was also his first courtesy call after being appointed as the Sarawak Education Department Director.
He added that out of over 12,000 candidates, 1,500 candidates meeting the requirements were successfully selected. A total of 300 new teachers will be placed in secondary schools, and the rest will teach in primary schools.
He stated that this move is expected to solve the teacher shortage problem, especially in rural and inland areas, thus enhancing the quality of education in Sarawak.
As the newly appointed Sarawak Education Department Director, Omar is committed to strengthening relations with the Sarawak government, particularly through the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development of Sarawak.
He also plans to establish closer cooperation more frequently with the Sarawak government and relevant agencies through consultation meetings (Sesi Libat Urus).
He said this is crucial to ensure that education policies and new projects are fully understood and accepted by society.
Omar previously served as the Senior Deputy Director of the Ministry of Education's School Management Department (BPSH), and now takes over from Dr. Azhar Ahmad, who retired last November.
He also expressed gratitude to the Sarawak Premier and Sarawak government for their support in advancing Sarawak's education endeavors.