TEACHERS RECALLED TO GUARD HOUSE

The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has claimed that some teachers were told to stay back and “look after” their schools during the mid-year holidays.

GEORGE TOWN: The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has claimed that some teachers were told to stay back and “look after” their schools during the mid-year holidays.

Its Penang branch chairman, Ng Weng Tutt, said the union received reports that teachers were recalled to monitor their schools.

“Under the General Order, it is stated that teachers can be recalled for half the holiday period, but in this case, the teachers have nothing to do.

“There were no tasks given to them. So they just come and serve as guards at the schools. Is this necessary?

“This is such a waste of time and energy for teachers.

“This two-week break is a time for teachers to relax and prepare lessons when schools reopen, but they are forced to come to schools instead,” he told the New Straits Times.

Ng said teachers assigned to look after the schools were not given any executive powers should the need arise to make any decision.

Ng said it would be better if either principals, headmasters or senior officials took the role instead of passing it to teachers.

“Teachers are burdened with enough odd jobs, and now they are facing this.

“I hope the Education Ministry can look into the matter.

“We are not speaking without evidence. We will submit the list of schools involved to the Education Department soon.”

Ng said some teachers were also told to hold special classes at the beginning of the mid-year break.

“We also have evidence of this. It is strange that teachers and students have to continue classes with little time to rest.

“This is even though Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik had said schools should not conduct any activity during the holiday period.”

NST ONLINE