KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government Teachers’ Union (KGKS) has proposed that the government, particularly the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM), enhance the number of counseling officers at each district education office (PPD) to strengthen professional support services for educators facing mental health issues and stress.
KGKS President Murkam Hj Hussien stated that the staff assigned to the counseling unit at PPD should also be increased in line with current needs.
He emphasized that this step is crucial following the recent tragedy involving the death of a teacher.
Last Thursday, media reported that a female teacher was found deceased at a school in Hulu Selangor.
“Therefore, KGKS suggests that the number of counseling officers in each PPD be increased, as well as the staff… currently, there is only one counseling officer who also serves as the staff in the counseling unit,” he said in a statement here.
Additionally, Murkam pointed out that the geographical factors and vast areas in Sabah necessitate the addition of counseling officers to monitor the well-being of educators facing challenges in all schools under the supervision of PPD.
He also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing it as a significant loss felt by the teaching community.
“KGKS urges all parties to remain calm… KGKS believes that the relevant authorities, such as KPM and the police, will do their best to address this matter,” he stated.
Murkam hopes that increasing the number of counseling officers will help strengthen the psychological support system, enhance crisis intervention efficiency in schools, and alleviate the workload of counseling teachers at the grassroots level.
