NIBONG TEBAL: The teacher, who was diagnosed with mental ailment after having to live apart from his wife who suffers from cancer, will be temporarily placed in a school near his wife.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry would provide space for Izzuddin Izhar or Cikgu Din to be with his wife through a temporary placement order , aimed at ensuring he could be with her during this critical time.
"First of all, we would like to extend our sympathy with what Cikgu Din is going through. Secondly, we will manage his affairs as best as we can.
"Insya Allah, we will provide space for him to be with his wife through a temporary placement order, aimed at ensuring he can be with her during this critical time. So, let's pray that he is given the strength and patience and that his wife is granted healing," she told newsmen here today.
She was met at the launch of the Karnival Pendidikan Madani and Program KV Insani Masyarakat Madani at SK Sungai Bakap here today.
She was asked if the teacher had met with the Education Ministry on his plight and possible relocation.
Fadhlina said the discussions with the teacher, and the involvement of both the Sarawak and Kelantan Education Departments, as well as the ministry went well.
"We always pray for the best for Cikgu Din.
"For this temporary placement order, the teacher will be placed in a school close to his wife so he can carry out his duties while being with her," she added.
Pressed if issues concerning the ministry has to go viral first for any action to be taken, Fadhlina said it was not true.
"That's not right. I think the discussion process and how we are offering alternatives to Cikgu Din has been ongoing even before that.
"But I thank everyone for their attention, which has been noted, and we see that many in the community empathised with the teacher's situation.
"So, I thank you and let's all pray for his wife's healing.
"Insya Allah, we will give full attention to all considerations," she said.
On Thursday, it was reported that the ministry would take immediate action on the case of a teacher, who was diagnosed with mental ailment after having to live apart from his wife who suffers from cancer.
The issue went viral after a social media user related the story of the teacher recently.
Previously, a social media user Harima Abd Rahman, revealed that Cikgu Din had been facing challenges in his life after his request for a transfer was not approved by the ministry due to his service period not reaching three years.
The request was made because the teacher wanted to be by his wife's side, Nur Atiqah My Yusoff, 30, who is suffering from cancer and undergoing chemotherapy at a hospital in Kelantan.
It is understood that he is currently teaching Islamic Education at SJKC Ming Wok in Kanowit, Sarawak, and commutes every two weeks to return to Kelantan to support his wife.
His repeated sacrifices eventually took a toll on him, as Cikgu Din was diagnosed with mental stress or major depressive disorder (MDD), requiring him to undergo treatment as well.