Only 18% of teacher transfer applications approved last year

The Education Ministry only approved 18.93 per cent of the 36,133 transfer applications from teachers last year, the Dewan Negara was told today. Deputy Education Minister II P. Kamalanathan said the approval was for 2,778 primary teachers and 4,063 secondary teachers. The number of transfer applications was 18 per cent higher than in the previous year, he said when replying to a question from Senator Ahamat alias Ahamad Yusop. Kamalanathan said the need for service and availability of places were the primary criteria taken into account to determine the placement of new teachers and approval of transfers. He also said that the ministry was prepared to consider applications for transfer with sound reasons, such as threat to safety, chronic illness and moving with the spouse.