Elaun guru kanan perlu ikut beban tugas, bukan gred sekolah

The Malaysian Education Ministry and Public Service Department (JPA) need to re-evaluate the way they pay the Teaching and Administrative Services Allocation (ETPS) to ensure that teachers performing the same functions and responsibilities are not treated differently based solely on changes in their school's grade. The Malaysian Malay Teachers' Union of West Malaysia (KGMMB) has stressed that the distribution of an annual bonus to Top Teachers should be based on their responsibilities and duties, rather than just their school's grade.

Despite losing their eligibility for the RM120 monthly ETPS bonus, the value of their professional roles remains unchanged. The KPM and JPA should review the ETPS payment mechanism to prevent teachers from receiving different services merely because of a change in their school's grade. The bonus for 2,504 high school Top Teachers will be halted starting November after they no longer meet the updated criteria for the grade A school category.

The KPM also clarified that altering the eligibility for ETPS bonuses to high school Top Teachers in grade B schools should not be considered. The KPM will review the repayment of already received ETPS bonuses for the 2,504 affected teachers on a case-by-case basis to avoid any financial burden. Meanwhile, 1,356 high school Top Teachers who have been upgraded to grade A category will receive the bonus in 2027.

Sobri suggested a fair transition mechanism, including maintaining the bonus payments for a specific period for the affected teachers, to ensure a smooth transition and prevent a sudden drop in their income. He also urged a more comprehensive review of school grades, taking into account geographical, logistical, management challenges, student composition, and educational needs, in addition to opening a dialogue with the union to find solutions.

"Changing a school's grade should not result in teachers who continue to bear the same responsibilities losing the benefits and supplements they previously received," Sobri emphasized.