SERI KEMBANGAN, June 19- The Education Ministry is planning to introduce sabbatical leave for principals, headmasters and teachers to undergo educational programme abroad, Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh (photo).
He said the sabbatical leave, which is currently being enjoyed only by lecturers, should be offered to the principals, headmasters and teachers in line with the government’s aspiration to put the national education system on par with the world’s best.
“By doing this, we hope more principals, headmasters and teachers will be able to learn from the education system in other countries, such as in the United Kingdom and Finland, and hence, open their eyes and minds to the best available ways to produce excellent students who will keep the Malaysia’s flag flying high.”
He said this to reporters after presenting the New Deal for Principals Award 2012 to 151 recipients here today.
Also present was Director-General of Education Tan Sri Abd Ghafar Mahmud.
Idris said the plan, however, was still being discussed and studied at the ministerial level.
“Many aspects must be looked into, including the period of leave and the suitable countries to send our teachers,” he said.
In another development, Idris said schools in areas which had unhealthy air quality or registered an air pollutant index (API) reading of over 300, would be ordered to be closed immediately to prevent impacts of haze on students’ health.
“I would also advise students to wear face masks, drink plenty of water and reduce their outdoor activities,” he said, adding that the ministry would closely monitor the haze situation to ensure that the students’ health would not be affected.
– BERNAMA
