IPOH, Sept 29 — The Education Ministry (MOE) is encouraging more prospective teachers to choose special education as their teaching option, in response to the growing demand for Special Education Integrated Programme (PPKI) classes in primary schools nationwide.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said around 90 per cent of special education teaching positions have been filled, but the ministry aims to increase this to 97 per cent soon.
“Parents are becoming more aware of the importance and role of PPKI classes, which is driving up demand. The MOE wants to ensure there are enough trained teachers to be placed in primary schools offering this option across the country.”
He made the statement after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of PPKI classrooms at SJKC Chung Tak here today.
As of July 31, 10,359 special education teachers were serving nationwide in 6,799 PPKI classes.
Wong explained that all special education teachers are trained at Teacher Education Institutes (IPGs) nationwide.
“In addition to popular options such as Malay, Chinese, English, Mathematics, and Science, special education is also vital as it offers a meaningful and relevant career path,” he said.
Regarding the approval of new PPKI classes, Wong said applications are assessed based on three main criteria — student demand, facility availability, and staffing.
He emphasised that providing adequate infrastructure, such as classrooms, toilets, and support equipment, is a key requirement before a school can be allowed to open such classes.
“We want to ensure areas with high demand are not left behind in gaining access to proper special education, while also ensuring a smooth learning processes,” Wong added.
