Former headmaster named Melaka's Islamic Religious Teacher of the Year

Syamsiah Zakaria, a 61-year-old former headmaster of Sekolah Rendah Agama (SRA) Paya Rumput, has been recognized as the Melaka State Islamic Religious Department's (JAIM) Teacher of the Year. Her journey began in 1985 as a religious teacher earning just RM150 a month, a time when the profession was often overlooked and religious educators were perceived as second-class citizens. Despite other job offers, Zakaria remained dedicated to teaching, fulfilling her late father's wish for her to continue in the profession.

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I started with a salary of RM150 a month. At that time, many considered religious teachers to be in the second class.

Zakaria, who retired from civil service last December, views the award not just as personal recognition but as an acknowledgment of all JAIM educators who have served with commitment. She recounted the challenges of her early career, including low remuneration and societal underestimation of religious teachers. Her father, also a teacher, was a constant source of encouragement throughout her nearly 40-year career.

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Alhamdulillah, by the grace of God and my late father's encouragement, I have never regretted choosing this path, despite facing various challenges throughout my career.

Expressing deep gratitude, Zakaria noted the significant improvements in the welfare and service schemes for JAIM teachers, attributing this progress to the state government's commitment. She believes Melaka's religious teachers are fortunate due to the government's consistent attention to their well-being. Zakaria hopes this support continues, ensuring the profession remains respected and attractive to younger generations.

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I am touched to hear the state government's commitment to continuously improve the status of JAIM teachers. We used to fight for their welfare to be addressed, and today those efforts are beginning to bear fruit.

As the former Chairman of the Melaka State Teachers Association, Zakaria consistently reminded teachers to carry out their duties with sincerity. She emphasized that a teacher's role extends beyond imparting knowledge to shaping the character and ethics of the nation's future leaders. For Zakaria, a teacher's true success lies not in salary or rank, but in the blessings derived from the knowledge shared with students.

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I believe JAIM teachers in Melaka are very fortunate because the state government always cares about their welfare. I hope this effort continues so that this profession remains respected and becomes the choice of the younger generation.