By Norrasyidah Arshad
PETALING, Aug 1 — Selangor is prepared to fulfil the needs of its educators, including by utilising technology and digital resources, to ensure the education sector is empowered.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said this is one of the main focuses in the state's planning and will be discussed further in-depth with the Education Department.
"Aid for teachers, including training, has already been part of the education programmes for several years. One example is the training under the Cikgu Anis Istimewa Selangor scheme.
"Now, we are looking to identify additional needs, including meeting digital environment requirements. It is one of the aspects we will prioritise," he said.
Amirudin was speaking at the Petaling Perdana district Education Department's award ceremony for excellent service, and added that efforts to establish the Selangor People's Tuition Programme (PTRS) are also supporting the education sector's success.
"Beginning by assisting 6,000 students, we now have over 63,000 students who have benefitted from the programme. We provide free tuition, which is conducted by Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) or MBI with the Education Department.
"PTRS is something to be proud of. We do not appoint external advisors or teachers but instead, utilise existing skills and assets. We produce content that helps students and saves on costs," he said.
The programme was introduced in March 2009, using community centres as tuition premises before expanding to schools and online platforms following the Covid-19 pandemic.
It provides educational assistance through additional classes to students who achieve mediocre or weak results in their subjects and come from families with a monthly income below RM2,000.
Last year, RM7 million was allocated to PTRS, including strengthening its content on the http://ePTRS.my portal and enhancing the teachers' skills.
Meanwhile, the ceremony saw 982 teachers from schools around Petaling Perdana, as well as Education Department officials from the district, honoured for their work.
Amirudin presented the awards at Dewan SJK(C) Shin Cheng in Puchong earlier today, as a gesture of respect to educators in the state.
In his speech, the Menteri Besar thanked the efforts, commitment, and sacrifices made by educators in shaping successful students.
"The award recipients were not chosen arbitrarily or based on personal preferences but were selected based on various criteria, including dedication to their tasks, social involvement, displaying high integrity, and full commitment.
"May their successes set an example and new inspiration for educators, fostering healthy competition which in turn contributes to Malaysia's development," he said.
[caption id="attachment_320751" align="aligncenter" width="821"]
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari (second from left) presents a certificate of excellent service to a recipient during the Perdana district Education Department's award ceremony for excellent service, at Dewan SJK(C) Shin Cheng in Puchong, on August 1, 2023. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
