Latest news with #IntegratedSpecialEducationProgramme
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Equal preschool funding vital before compulsory roll-out, says MP
KUALA LUMPUR: Rasah Member of Parliament Cha Kee Chin has urged the government to ensure equal funding for all schools to set up preschool facilities ahead of the rollout of compulsory preschool education. He said this measure was essential to prevent lower-income families from being financially burdened when sending their children to preschool. "We must consider this matter carefully. I urge that, before making preschool education compulsory, the government first allocates sufficient funding for preschool facilities. "Secondly, ensure that all schools, whether government or government-aided, receive equal funding to set up preschool classes before the implementation, so that it is fair to all parents. "We do not want a situation where families who cannot afford it are forced to send their children to private schools," he said during the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) debate in the Dewan Rakyat today. Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13MP, announced that the government would make preschool education compulsory from the age of five to improve educational outcomes. He said the government would also review optimal school hours, assess the effectiveness of specialised schools, and enhance education models for gifted and talented students. Cha also called for improvements to the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI) in schools, in line with the Prime Minister's statement during the tabling of the 13MP that there was a need to strengthen support for children with disabilities. He said the plan to establish PPKI classes in 34 existing schools nationwide was a positive step, but the number remained too small. "I urge that this number be increased significantly. Are there any plans under the 13MP to establish PPKI classes in schools in the Rasah constituency? There are schools here that do not yet have PPKI classes," he said.
The Star
03-08-2025
- General
- The Star
JKR completes SMK Sri Sadong project at a cost of RM28.73mil
SIMUNJAN: The construction project to replace the educational facilities of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sri Sadong here, worth RM28.73mil, was completed this year under the supervision of the Special Project Team 2 (PPK2) of the Public Works Department (JKR). Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the project, which began on March 17, 2022, is one of the Government's initiatives to strengthen the nation's learning ecosystem, especially in rural areas. "This project was implemented through a conventional consultancy method by contractor Welfield Services Sdn Bhd and involved various construction components including an academic block comprising 12 classrooms, workshops for electrical and electronics, manufacturing, as well as computer, science, chemistry, biology and physics laboratories," he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 3). Also built were a room for the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI), a canteen block, five units of F-class teachers' quarters, and various other supporting facilities to complete the school's infrastructure. Today, Nanta witnessed the official handover of the project to the Ministry of Education (MoE) at a ceremony held at the school. He said the successful implementation of this project demonstrates the government's ongoing commitment to providing modern, high-quality, and conducive educational infrastructure to support student excellence and bridge the gap in education quality between urban and rural areas. "I would like to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Education for the trust and cooperation extended to the Ministry of Works and JKR, particularly in terms of site supervision, which enabled this project to be completed successfully,' he said. He also urged JKR to continue monitoring and work closely with the contractor to resolve any complaints regarding defects during the Defects Liability Period (DLP), in accordance with the prescribed regulations. - Bernama
Barnama
31-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
13MP: Empowering Vulnerable Groups Through Education, Jobs
KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The government will continue to empower vulnerable groups, including women, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens, through various initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with a focus on education, skills training and participation in the labour market. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is focused on the educational needs of PWDs, noting that as of June, nearly 171,000 children in this group, including those with autism, have been recorded as having learning difficulties. 'Therefore, initiatives will continue under the 13MP to expand special education facilities and capacity for vulnerable groups nationwide. This includes the construction of the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI) blocks at 34 schools across Malaysia. 'In addition, the construction of new schools equipped with PPKI facilities will also continue,' he said when tabling the plan in the Dewan Rakyat here today. The 13MP, themed 'Redesigning Development', outlines the country's five-year development agenda from 2026 to 2030. Anwar also said that adequate support and training will be provided through initiatives such as the Industry-based Academy programme, the National PWD Action Plan and employer incentives, aimed at increasing the participation of senior citizens, Orang Asli and PWDs in the labour market. He said the mandatory retirement age will also be reviewed to align with the country's transition into an ageing nation. Meanwhile, Anwar said the national KASIH Keluarga Negara agenda, anchored on the development of MADANI values, will be implemented to strengthen family institutions, which includes reinforcing the role of men as leaders, protectors, defenders, educators and primary breadwinners of the family. 'To support efforts to raise the female labour force participation rate to 60 per cent, including among mothers with young children, the government will expand access to quality childcare centres and provide appropriate training,' he added.
Barnama
06-07-2025
- Barnama
Teacher Accused Of Molesting 16-Year-Old Student With Disability
SEREMBAN, July 6 (Bernama) – A 16-year-old female student with an intellectual disability has alleged that a teacher molested her at a school in Rembau on May 5. Rembau police chief Supt Hasani Hussain said the student, who is enrolled in the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI), lodged a report at 5.15 pm yesterday, alleging she was molested by a 36-year-old male teacher around 10.40 am. Initial investigations revealed the incident occurred after the student had completed a cross-country run and was experiencing leg pain.
The Star
06-07-2025
- The Star
Teacher accused of molesting 16-year-old student with disability
SEREMBAN: A 16-year-old female student with an intellectual disability has alleged that a teacher molested her at a school in Rembau on May 5. Rembau police chief Supt Hasani Hussain said the student, who is enrolled in the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI), lodged a report at 5.15pm on Saturday (July 5), alleging she was molested by a 36-year-old male teacher around 10.40am. Initial investigations revealed the incident occurred after the student had completed a cross-country run and was experiencing leg pain. He said the student initially confided in a friend and later informed another teacher about the incident on June 30. The suspect, detained around 10pm on Saturday night, has denied the allegation. The case is still under investigation under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. - Bernama
