Tiang (front row, second left) with the recipients of the incentive.
A RM20,000 allocation will be made to the Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) Sibu Division for members to treat critical illnesses.
Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang has agreed to the allocation for that purpose.
“Sibu Division STU chairman Yong Sie Hing appealed to me to help teachers who are suffering from critical illnesses.
“I strongly agree, and from next year, I will allocate RM20,000 to help STU members who suffer from critical illnesses,” he said at the Sibu Division STU Academic Incentive Presentation Ceremony.
He also urged teachers to take care of their mental and physical health.
Tiang said demands of the teaching profession could sometimes cause stress and burnout.
He said Education Ministry had informed that 6,394 teachers or 1.49% of the teaching workforce were approved to retire early last year.
“Of course there are many factors that lead to this.
“It can be a heavy workload due to a lack of teachers, policy changes, administrative problems, digitisation of education, pressure from parents and society.
“There must be a support system for teachers,” said Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman.
He said teachers should make time for leisure activities to help them relax.
