NIBONG TEBAL, July 14 — Education Ministry (MOE) personnel are advised not to join motivational programmes, organised by external entities, that do not have clear content.
Its minister Fadhlina Sidek said teachers need to refer to the ministry for appropriate support.
"We should avoid getting involved in motivational programmes whose content and 'substance' we are unsure of.
"We should focus on our issues at the school level,” she said during a press conference after visiting SMK Taman Widuri today.
Fadhlina was commenting and advising educators on whether they were involved in the marriage motivation programme (eHATI), which targets working women facing household crises.
She added that the MOE has various development and motivational programmes for teachers, including counselling services that can be fully utilised.
“We do not want our teachers involved in programmes that can raise doubts or undermine the integrity of the teaching profession. We provide many internal development programmes.
"Therefore, my advice is to be careful. Avoid participating in inappropriate external programmes. Focus on motivation in our education," Fadhlina said.
Yesterday, Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that an inquiry paper had been opened to identify criminal offences related to the eHATI marriage motivational programme, which was accused of promoting inappropriate and provocative content.
He said several witnesses will be called in soon to provide confirmation, including the use of water that allegedly causes hallucinations.
Meanwhile, Fadhlina said that the MOE is committed to ensuring that all schools are well-maintained to become conducive and safe learning environments for students and educators.
Maintenance assistance is provided annually to all schools, and any needs involving larger structures will be referred to the Public Works Department (JKR) and related agencies.
"If there are school structures that are in poor condition, we must take immediate action because it involves a teaching environment that must be conducive and safe," she said.
Fadhlina noted that the MOE, including the District Education Office and the State Education Department, will not compromise on the safety of school buildings and will always take immediate action against any school structure that is not in good condition.
— Bernama
