KUALA LUMPUR: The construction of Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Vokasional (SMPKV) Padawan in Sarawak is expected to be completed by September this year.
Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek, stated that the construction of SMPKV Padawan was approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) in 2019.
“This project is one of two new Special Education Schools (SPK) currently under construction.
“The other involves the construction of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas (SMKPK) in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, which is expected to be completed by February 2026,” she said during the Dewan Negara session today (March 5).
She explained that the construction of these two schools would add to the 35 existing Special Education Schools (SPK) nationwide.
“This will further provide access to a total of 3,086 students with special educational needs (MBPK),” she added.
She was responding to a question from Senator Isaiah Jacob, who inquired about the government’s efforts in upgrading special education and the amount allocated last year.
In addition to building new SPKs, Fadhlina stated that the Ministry of Education (MOE) is also expanding access to special education by constructing additional buildings for the Special Education Integrated ProgramME (PPKI) at 33 locations nationwide.
“To ensure a conducive learning environment, the government has also allocated RM13.6 million to provide disabled-friendly (OKU) facilities in schools, including handrails, ramps, OKU toilets, and special OKU parking spaces.
“As of now, 33.7 per cent of schools, or 2,405 out of 7,147 schools with MBPK students, have been equipped with OKU-friendly facilities,” she said.
Meanwhile, Fadhlina added that under Budget 2025, the government has approved the construction of 11 new PERMATA Negara Program centres, which will include special education centers for children with autism.
“All these initiatives demonstrate KPM’s ongoing commitment to ensuring MBPK students receive access to quality inclusive education in line with current needs,” she said.
