Fadhlina insisted that the nation’s more than 400,000 teachers perform their duties with dedication and integrity, adding that the ministry always strives to support them in delivering exceptional service to the community.

“This allegation is irresponsible and creates a negative perception of the teaching profession,” she said in a statement.

“The ministry has clear regulations to address disciplinary issues among public servants and anyone involved in misconduct will face action.”

She said the government appreciates the vital role of teachers in nation-building and has implemented various initiatives to promote their well-being and ease their workload.

Fadhlina said the ministry is determined to continue elevating the teaching profession, adding that society should hold teachers in high esteem for their role in educating the nation’s youth.

On Monday, Cuepacs alleged that teachers make up the largest group of civil servants involved in taking MCs on false pretenses.

The umbrella body for civil service unions was also reported as claiming that 1-2% of 10,000 civil servants submit such MCs and use their emergency leave purely for personal reasons.

The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has since called on Cuepacs to provide data to back its claim.

NUTP also said Cuepacs’s claim undermines the professionalism and work ethics of medical officers who only issue MCs after determining whether patients are indeed unwell and unfit to carry out their duties for a certain period of time.