KUCHING: Primary schools in the state are facing a shortage of teachers but not when it comes to Iban and Mandarin classes.
State Education Department Director Datuk Dr Azhar Ahmad there is no significant shortage in the number of teachers handling these subjects.
He was speaking to reporters after attending the ‘First Day at School Programme’ at SMK Matang Jaya on Monday (March 11).
Azhar said a total of 416,008 students have begun the new school term for the year in 1,459 schools in Sarawak comprising 1,265 primary schools and 194 secondary schools.
“A total of 34,285 pupils have enrolled for Primary 1, while 28,351 students have enrolled for Form 1 this year,” he said.
On another matter, he said the department is working with several agencies to curb drug related activities from infiltrating schools across the state.
“The department is working with several agencies including the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK)
“We want to create awareness on drug related issues but thankfully, student involvement in drug related activities has been minimal, so far,” he said
Azhar disclosed that last year five students were arrested for drug related offences.
Among those present at the event were Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief SAC Lukas Aket and the principal of SMK Matang Jaya Anita Hasbi.
