Only one institution in the country currently screens children for special education needs before they enter preschool, says education minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said this highlights the urgent need to raise parental awareness as many families are still in denial about issues concerning their children’s development.
“Some parents do not agree or are in denial.
“They cannot accept the fact that there are issues that need to be addressed through special education classes,” she said at the Semarak Komuniti 2025 event in Ampang here today.
Semarak Komuniti is the inaugural public education showcase featuring stories of transformation from classrooms and communities across the country.
Fadhlina said the lack of early screening often leads to challenges in literacy and numeracy among schoolchildren.
She called for an increase in the number of special education, remedial and counselling teachers to better support such students.
“We must look at the needs and resilience of these children as well as the current challenges that require the full attention of all parties,” she said.
Fadhlina also announced that a new scholarship distribution plan will focus on inclusion, with priority given to women and students with special needs.
Last week, the government announced a RM67 billion allocation for the education sector under the 13th Malaysia Plan, aimed at improving early childhood education, strengthening the curriculum and widening access to quality education.
According to the statistics department, there were 736,607 registered persons with disabilities in 2023, representing 2.2% of the population.
Learning disabilities made up the largest group, with 265,503 individuals, followed by those with physical disabilities (265,221) and visual impairments (63,779). Speech impairments had the lowest registration at 3,846.
The same report also noted that the number of special education schools remained at 34, with an increase in student enrolment and teaching staff at both the primary and secondary levels.
