MOE OPEN TO REVIEW OF ALLOWANCES FOR PRINCIPALS, HEADMASTERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Education (MOE) is open to proposals or reforms on reviewing the allowances for principals and headmasters, which are currently set at RM300 and RM200, respectively.

Deputy Minister of Education Wong Kah Woh said the current rate is viewed as a primary factor discouraging teachers from enrolling in the National Professional Qualification for Educational Leaders (NPQEL) course, thereby contributing to the shortage of candidates for these roles. 

"We have received feedback from educators that the allowance may be a limiting factor or a reason for the lack of interest in joining the NPQEL course.

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"This rate is set by the Public Service Department under the existing grading and classification scheme... for now, both allowances remain unchanged," he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to Datuk Idris Ahmad’s (PN-Bagan Serai) supplementary question on whether MOE is prepared to review the allowances or incentives for principals to attract more teachers to the NPQEL course.

However, Wong emphasised that the role of a school leader is not merely a position, but a significant trust and responsibility in ensuring the continuity of the national education system.

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Responding to the initial question from Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (PH-Beruas) on whether the ministry is prepared to relax the requirements for the NPQEL course to address the shortage of principals in government-aided secondary schools, Wong said the intake has been increased to 1,652 participants this year, the highest since 2021.

"MOE is committed to ensuring that these positions are filled by qualified and competent individuals, in both government and government-aided schools.

"Therefore, the existing requirements, including those related to the NPQEL course, remain relevant and essential for preparing quality educational leaders," he said, adding that the course remains a prerequisite for any appointment as a principal.

In response to a supplementary question from Ngeh regarding the shortage of principals in missionary schools and conforming schools (national-type secondary schools), Wong explained that the principle of "maximum consultation" is applied for such appointments, involving close cooperation with the School Management Boards. 

He said the boards must ensure their NPQEL candidates meet all requirements, including the three-year administrative experience, and confirmed that sufficient training slots are available.

Additionally, he reported that of the 122 missionary secondary schools, only six have vacant principal positions. Of these, three already have acting principals or candidates expected to complete their NPQEL training this year.

-- BERNAMA