The Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) has urged the government to consider retaining the 300-litre monthly RON95 petrol subsidy for educators in the state, particularly those serving in rural and interior areas.
Its president, Kullin Djayang, said the proposal is based on several factors affecting teachers’ welfare, including the rising cost of living in Sarawak.
He said teachers in the state not only carry out classroom teaching duties but are also actively involved in co-curricular activities, including accompanying students to sports events and competitions.
“Many programmes outside the school environment require teachers to travel long distances to stadiums, halls and other activity venues,” he said in a statement.
He added that a significant number of teachers also commute daily from their homes to schools due to the shortage of official quarters in many parts of the state, which further increases fuel expenses.
Kullin also noted that the lack of official transport vehicles remains an ongoing issue, despite repeated concerns raised by schools.
He stressed that given these challenges, STU hopes the government will take into account the financial burden faced by educators and continue the 300-litre monthly RON95 subsidy as support for their contribution to national education development.
Meanwhile, Kullin recently officiated the STU Sarikei Division annual general meeting, where he also presented incentive contributions to children of STU members from Sarikei, Julau and Kanowit who performed well in public examinations.
