The Selangor Islamic Religious Department, Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS), has decided not to hold Teachers’ Day celebrations at school and district levels for all institutions under its administration this year, in line with government calls for more prudent spending amid current geopolitical uncertainties.
JAIS director Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said the decision also takes into account the decree of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who advised the public to practise wise and necessary spending based on priority.
He said the directive was communicated through a circular dated May 7 to all District Islamic Affairs officers across Selangor.
According to him, the decision was also made in consideration of the financial burden on parents or guardians, particularly the tradition of students preparing gifts for teachers during such celebrations.
“JAIS has also decided to discourage the practice of giving gifts to teachers under the current situation, as it places financial pressure on parents and guardians,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
However, he stressed that JAIS, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), and the state government continue to appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of teachers under their administration.
As a sign of appreciation, the Selangor state-level Teachers’ Day celebration will still be held on May 21, with an allocation exceeding RM200,000 to recognise outstanding educators and schools.
JAIS also said existing financial resources will instead be channelled towards enhancing teachers’ professionalism and improving programmes aimed at strengthening students’ quality and character development.
The department added that school and district-level celebrations may be reconsidered in the future when conditions stabilise, with a possible revision to make such events more modest and less disruptive to learning activities.
The decision has also gained attention after the circular, titled the suspension of Teachers’ Day celebrations at school and district levels, went viral on social media recently.
