Returned to his homeland in 1972 and served his countrymen in the teaching field at SM Tuanku Muhammad, Kuala Pilah Negeri Sembilan.
After a year of service, he moved to SM Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, Sungai Bakap.
In early 1998 he was promoted to Assistant District Education Officer, Seberang Perai Selatan.
Maktar Shapee made his first electoral debut at Sungai Bakap seat, however he lost to Gerakan candidate Lai Chew Hock in 1999 general election.
[2] He retained his seat in 2013 and was appointed as the Deputy Speaker of the Penang State Legislative Assembly.