RM1.5 juta setahun NUTP bantu guaman guru

The National Union of Teachers (NUTP) will allocate RM1.5 million annually to cover the expenses of its members who face legal actions related to educators' duties. President Aminuddin Awang stated that this assistance includes both civil lawsuits and criminal prosecutions, with the cost of representation for some cases potentially reaching RM80,000.

Civil lawsuits are increasingly being filed against teachers by parents or the general public for various reasons, including matters that could be resolved without court intervention, Awang said when attending the 24th Annual Representatives' Conference of NUTP. The union also provides support to members facing criminal charges if there are signs of harassment against a particular teacher.

So far this year, NUTP has provided legal aid in 16 cases, including three still under investigation in Kelantan. Among the common issues faced by teachers are cases under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which deals with intentional causing harm resulting in minor injury to another person, even though it is a criminal charge, the union still offers legal defense to its members.

The union has a designated committee to manage its members' cases and encourages those who are not yet members to join NUTP to avail themselves of these benefits.