In a statement today, NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said such claims undermined the professionalism of 450,000 teachers.

“MCs are issued only after a medical officer determines that the patient is unwell and unfit to carry out their duties for a certain period of time.

“Claiming that many teachers are taking MCs without providing valid data and solid proof is extremely irresponsible,” he said.

“(This claim) indirectly disputes the professionalism and work ethics of our stellar medical officers, who are committed in carrying out their responsibilities to the public,” he said.

Fouzi was responding to a statement issued by Cuepacs yesterday, which alleged that teachers make up the largest group of civil servants involved in falsifying MCs.

The civil service union was also reported as claiming that between 1% and 2% of 10,000 civil servants submit fake MCs, and use their emergency leaves purely for personal reasons.