Malaysia Education Plan 2026-2035 to Tackle Teacher Workload, Says Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR – The Ministry of Education (MOE) has reaffirmed its commitment to alleviating the administrative burden on educators through the newly outlined Malaysia Education Plan (RPM) 2026-2035.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that the primary objective of the ten-year blueprint is to ensure teachers can return to their core mission: focusing entirely on Teaching and Learning (PdP) processes.

The 80:20 Policy Framework

A key feature of the RPM 2026-2035 is the 80:20 Policy, a strategic time-allocation mandate designed to protect the professional boundaries of educators. Under this guideline:

• 80% of a teacher’s time is strictly reserved for classroom instruction and pedagogical activities.
• 20% of the schedule is allocated for non-PdP duties, including administrative work and professional coordination.

“A teacher’s wellbeing is influenced by various factors, including tasks outside their primary scope, the work environment, emotional health, and professional development opportunities,” Fadhlina shared via a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Modernizing Support Systems

To bridge the gap between policy and practice, the Ministry has already initiated several support measures. Since 2023, the government has recruited 20,997 volunteers to assist with the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations and introduced teaching assistants through the Malaysia Short-Term Employment Programme (MySTEP).

Furthermore, the appointment of full-time hostel wardens has been implemented to relieve teachers of overnight residential duties, allowing them to remain refreshed for morning lessons.

Digital Streamlining and Reform

In a move to reduce “digital fatigue,” the MOE has abolished certain functions within the Teacher Training Management System (SPLKPM) that were deemed redundant. Simultaneously, the Ministry has reinstated and enhanced the Student Character Building System (SSDM) to streamline disciplinary reporting and character assessment.

As the RPM 2026-2035 takes effect, the government aims to create a more sustainable ecosystem for the nation’s educators, ensuring that the quality of Malaysian education remains high by prioritizing the mental and professional health of its workforce.