{
  "id": 17919228,
  "title": "School downgrades put teachers' RM120 allowance at risk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/school-downgrades-put-teachers-rm120-allowance-at-risk",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T06:13:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1569758/school-downgrades-put-teachers-rm120-allowance-risk"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Senior Subject Teachers (GKMP) in secondary schools could lose their RM120 monthly School Administration Duty Allowance (ETPS) if their schools' grades are downgraded from Grade A to B or C. Despite performing similar duties and responsibilities, GKMPs in lower-grade schools are currently excluded from receiving the allowance. School grades are determined based on student enrolment, boarding school student numbers, and the level of education offered. The Education Ministry has informed schools that the new grading system for 2026 will take effect on January 11, with payments made after this date to be recovered. The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has called for the Public Service Department to review the eligibility criteria for the ETPS, arguing that teachers in Grade B schools should also receive the allowance. NUTP president Aminuddin Awang said the current regulation is unfair and that differences in school grades should not determine whether teachers receive the allowance. The NUTP also expressed concern that schools might struggle to attract GKMPs to Grade B schools due to perceived unfair compensation.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Senior Subject Teachers (GKMP) in secondary schools face losing their RM120 monthly School Administration Duty Allowance (ETPS) if their schools are downgraded from Grade A to Grade B or C.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "Tying administrative allowances to school grading systems risks creating compensation disparities that could discourage experienced subject teachers from accepting leadership roles in lower-rated secondary schools.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}