Malaysia’s NUTP Urges Teacher Protection Law

Why this is here: The National Union of the Teaching Profession spends approximately 1.5 million ringgit each year providing legal services to teachers facing legal challenges.

Fouzi Singon, Secretary-General of the National Union of the Teaching Profession in Malaysia, is asking the government to draft a law protecting teachers. He states this legislation is necessary to ensure teachers can work safely without fear of legal action or baseless complaints. The union currently spends roughly 1.5 million ringgit annually on legal aid for teachers facing lawsuits.

Recent complaints filed through the Public Complaint Management System (SISPAA) prompted this request. One school received a complaint after asking families for 70 ringgit to fund school improvements through a reading program. Singon also notes schools should not solicit funds for infrastructure, as that is the government’s responsibility.

Mohd Effendi @ Ewan Mohd Matore of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia suggests SISPAA should resolve issues internally. He proposes clearer guidelines within SISPAA to differentiate serious integrity issues from minor school matters. Teachers also face cyberbullying, social pressures, and legal threats while working.