MIRI, March 16 -- The teacher shortage in Sarawak's Chinese schools is a pressing issue that is exacerbated by an increasing number of early retirements among teachers, says state Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.

He highlighted this at the Miri and Limbang Chinese School Teachers' Association annual general meeting (AGM) here yesterday.

Lee, the assemblyman for Senadin, also emphasised the urgent need to have young individuals with passion to join the teaching profession for the sustainability of Chinese education in the state.

"The Chinese school teachers not only bear the responsibility of imparting knowledge, but also serve as a vital bridge for cultural preservation, paving the way for a brighter future for countless stu...