Fadhlina Sidek: Nearly 1,800 teachers not hired permanently because they failed key exam

On September 30, 2026, the Ministry of Education in Malaysia disclosed that 1,799 education service officers (PPP) were still undergoing the probationary phase of their service. The Ministry's written reply revealed that these individuals had failed a mandatory examination known as the Mind Transformation Programme (PTM). Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek attributed the failure of these candidates to their inability to pass the comprehension assessment under the PTM.

As of the specified date, a total of 7,723 education officers were in the process of obtaining confirmation in service. However, 1,832 PPPs failed to meet one or more of the established criteria for confirmation. The majority of these candidates were hindered by the failure of the PTM examination. Fadhlina noted that three officers had their probationary period extended with a penalty, while 29 experienced a similar extension without penalty.

One officer had their probationary status frozen. The Ministry vowed to collaborate with the Education Service Commission (SPP) and other key stakeholders to expedite the resolution of these unresolved confirmation cases, emphasizing that the welfare of teachers and national educational requirements would continue to be top priorities.