Government to build autism education centres in every state
Published on: Thu, Jul 31, 2025
By: Kim Osman, FMT Text Size: Nearly 171,000 children with disabilities were reportedly recorded as having learning difficulties as of June 2025. (Bernama pic) Kuala Lumpur: The government will build dedicated education centres for autistic children in every state, to better support persons with disabilities (PWDs), Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today. Nearly 171,000 children with disabilities were reportedly recorded as having learning difficulties as of June 2025. Anwar said the government would also expand the capacity of existing special needs facilities nationwide, including through the construction of integrated special education programme (PPKI) blocks at 34 existing schools and the continued development of new schools equipped with PPKI facilities. 'Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, we will continue with initiatives to increase the facilities and capacity for special education for vulnerable groups nationwide,' he said when tabling the five-year plan in the Dewan Rakyat. To further promote workforce inclusivity, the government will also scale up support and training through initiatives such as the Akademi Dalam Industri and the National OKU Action Plan. The government will also provide incentives to employers who hire vulnerable groups, including PWDs, the elderly, and Orang Asli.
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