She said graduates may apply, especially for the four critical subjects, namely Design and Technology, Malay Language, English Language and Islamic Education.

“Whether they are in the education or non-education fields, they may still apply if they are interested in becoming a teacher, either on permanent placement or on a contract basis.

“They may submit their applications via the website.

“We hope this recruitment will help overcome the problem of teacher shortage in the country, especially in these subjects,” Lim said after officiating an education exhibition at SMJK Yuk Choy here today.

She said the advertisement will be posted for two weeks, from today until April 21.

Those who had applied before but were unsuccessful may resubmit their applications according to the subject options required by the ministry, she said.

The ministry was reported to be facing a shortage of teachers of about 4.49% (or 19,431 teachers) because of compulsory retirements, optional retirements, promotions, teachers going on study leave or leave without pay, resignations and deaths.

Lim also said some 1,000 students attended the exhibition, which was organised at the school, from 9am today.

She said the exhibition was useful for secondary school students, especially Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia school leavers, to get information on opportunities provided by the government to further their studies in various fields.