SHAH ALAM - The Education Ministry is working to ensure that students with special needs (MBK) have equal access to education.
The ministry is implementing a new plan called the Inclusive Education Programme (PPI), which will allow all students regardless of their needs to learn together.
The PPI is part of the Malaysian Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2013–2025.
The plan aims to provide all Malaysian children with a quality education regardless of their background.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that the PPI is an important step towards achieving this goal.
"We want all students to have the opportunity to learn and grow.
"The PPI will help us to create a more inclusive education system that benefits all students," she told Sinar Daily recently.
The PPI will be implemented in all schools in Malaysia. Schools will be required to establish a School Special Education Committee to plan and implement the programme.
The committee will be responsible for appointing assistant teachers to support MBK students and for providing training to teachers and other school staff.
The ministry has also established 13 Special Education Service Centres (3PK) to provide support services to MBK students.
These centres offer a range of services, including audiology, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and physiotherapy.
Fadhlina said that the ministry is committed to providing all students with the opportunity to succeed.
"We believe that every child has the potential to learn.
"The PPI is one way that we are working to make this happen," she added.