KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The Education Ministry (MOE) is open to proposals or reforms on reviewing the allowances for principals and headmasters, which are currently set at RM300 and RM200, respectively.
Its deputy minister Wong Kah Woh said the current rate is viewed as a primary factor discouraging teachers from enrolling in the National Professional Qualification for Educational Leaders (NPQEL) course, thereby contributing to the shortage of candidates for these roles.
"We have received feedback from educators that the allowance may be a limiting factor or a reason for the lack of interest in joining the NPQEL course.
"This rate is set by the Public Service Department under the existing grading and classification scheme... for now, both allowances remain unchanged," he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Wong was responding to Bagan Serai MP Datuk Idris Ahmad's supplementary query on whether the MOE is prepared to review the allowances or incentives for principals to attract more teachers to the NPQEL course.
However, he emphasised that the role of a school leader is not merely a position, but a significant trust and responsibility in ensuring the continuity of the national education system.
Responding to the initial query from Beruas MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham on whether the ministry is prepared to relax the requirements for the NPQEL course to address the shortage of principals in government-aided secondary schools, Wong said the intake has been increased to 1,652 participants this year, the highest since 2021.
"MOE is committed to ensuring that these positions are filled by qualified and competent individuals, in both government and government-aided schools.
"Therefore, the existing requirements, including those related to the NPQEL course, remain relevant and essential for preparing quality educational leaders," he said, adding that the course remains a prerequisite for any appointment as a principal.
In response to Ngeh's supplementary query on the shortage of principals in missionary schools and conforming schools (national-type secondary schools), Wong said the principle of "maximum consultation" is applied for such appointments, involving close cooperation with the School Management Boards.
The boards must ensure their NPQEL candidates meet all requirements, including the three-year administrative experience, and confirmed that sufficient training slots are available.
Additionally, he reported that of the 122 missionary secondary schools, only six have vacant principal positions. Of these, three already have acting principals or candidates expected to complete their NPQEL training this year.
