NUTP Urges Government To Reinstate BUDI95 Quota For Teachers

BUTTERWORTH, May 15 (Bernama) -- The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has urged the government to reinstate the 300-litre monthly fuel subsidy quota under the Budi Madani (BUDI95) programme for teachers in conjunction with Teachers' Day tomorrow.

Its president Aminuddin Awang said some teachers use their individual BUDI95 quota for official duties, including transporting students to co-curricular activities and competitions at the district, state and national levels using their own vehicles, causing their subsidised fuel quota to be depleted quickly.

"As such, we hope the government will reconsider restoring the 300-litre quota as a token of appreciation for teachers in conjunction with Teachers' Day," he told reporters after attending the Penang NUTP Branch Teachers' Day celebration held in conjunction with Labour Day, which was also attended by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, here today.

Aminuddin said the request had been conveyed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim through an official letter sent last month, noting that apart from bearing fuel costs, many teachers also use their own money to purchase stationery and pay for personal laptops and internet services for teaching and official duties.

"Teachers not only spend their own money for official matters, but also utilise their subsidised fuel quota. We hope this matter will be considered as a form of appreciation for educators," he said.

At the same time, Aminuddin said NUTP was also advocating for the government to enact a Teachers Protection Act to ensure educators receive adequate legal protection while carrying out their duties.

He said teachers today face increasing challenges, including the possibility of receiving letters of demand or facing legal action from parents over issues arising from their efforts to educate and discipline students.

"Teachers are expected to educate and discipline students to the best of their ability, but at the same time they face various challenges, including the possibility of receiving letters of demand or legal action.

"In conjunction with this year's Teachers' Day, we hope the government will consider enacting a specific law to protect teachers while they are carrying out their responsibilities," he said.

-- BERNAMA