KUALA LUMPUR: More than 44,000 children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are currently receiving special education in Malaysia, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed on Tuesday (Dec 3).
In her written reply to Datuk Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus) in Parliament, Fadhlina revealed that as of this year, a total of 44,211 students with autism and ADHD are enrolled in schools under the Ministry of Education. Of these, 32,642 have autism, while 9,569 have ADHD.
The Minister also highlighted that 2,478 students with autism and 1,266 students with ADHD are part of the ministry’s inclusive education programme. This initiative allows students with special needs to learn in mainstream classrooms alongside their peers.
“The inclusive education programme has had a positive impact, ensuring that students with special needs receive the same educational opportunities as others,” Fadhlina said. “It also helps build their skills and self-confidence, while promoting greater awareness and acceptance among other students and the broader community.”
The inclusive education programme, according to Fadhlina, plays a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive learning environment, where students with disabilities are integrated into regular classrooms.
In addition, the Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Education is committed to improving facilities and access for all special needs students. This includes ensuring schools are equipped with basic amenities such as ramps, handrails, parking spaces, and accessible toilets. The Ministry is also enhancing special education classes and establishing more special needs service centers.
Fadhlina shared that the Ministry is currently preparing its Education Development Plan for 2026-2035 and is seeking feedback from relevant stakeholders. The plan will include provisions for special needs education, aiming to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal access to education and vocational training for all students, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4).
Related topics: