Azizee Hasan, president of Ikatan Guru Muslim Malaysia, said: “To our knowledge, the number (of part-time teachers) is very small. However, there are still many teachers who are committed to their profession.”

He told FMT that some teachers have been found trying to supplement their income with part-time jobs in order to keep up with the high cost of living, especially in cities.

He was commenting on a reminder from education minister Fadhlina Sidek that teachers looking to take on part-time jobs must first obtain approval from the education ministry.

According to a 2023 circular, approval must be obtained two months beforehand. The circular also states that civil servants involved in online businesses are considered to have taken on part-time work.

Azizee said it was crucial that teachers abide by the guidelines as failing to do so could potentially affect their focus at schools.

“It will affect the educational system and the teachers’ quality of work,” he said.”In the end, the victims will be the students.”