02/08/2025

SATURDAY | AUG 2, 2025

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Emphasis on TVET in 13MP a game-changer o Focus reflects serious commitment to addressing youth unemployment, closing skills gaps and boosting labour productivity, says university vice-chancellor

‘Reform needed to support education facilities for autistic children’ Ű BY MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA: Building dedicated schools for autistic children is a positive step but real inclusion requires transforming the education system as a whole, not just adding new infrastructure, said child rights advocate Srividhya Ganapathy. She said the government plan to establish autism-specific education facilities in every state marks growing recognition of diverse learning needs. She stressed that infrastructure alone is not enough to guarantee access or equality. “Establishing facilities dedicated to autistic children shows increasing recognition of the diverse learning needs within our education system,” said Srividhya, who co-chairs the Crib Foundation, a children rights NGO. “But infrastructure must be part of a broader shift toward inclusive education, not a substitute for it. Children with disabilities must not be segregated or excluded from the general education system.” She called on the government to prioritise deeper reforms. “We urge the government to focus on legal reforms that guarantee equal access and reasonable accommodation, inclusive design of infrastructure, curriculum and pedagogy as well as specialised teacher training to build capacity across all classrooms.” On the importance of integrated special education programmes , she said they are a crucial part of the shift toward inclusive education. “They offer children with disabilities opportunities to learn alongside their peers, a foundational step in promoting social inclusion and reducing stigma.” She added that the effectiveness of such programmes depends on several key factors. “A strong policy and legal framework that ensures no child is left out, reasonable accommodations in teaching methods, curriculum and infrastructure, adaptable and inclusive curriculum that supports varied learning styles and comprehensive training for educators, including mainstream teachers.” She said these programmes must not be designed in silos but as part of a unified education system. “When well-implemented, they help realise every child’s right to quality education in an environment that respects and supports their development. “Every child has the right to access education in a way that enables them to learn, grow and thrive. “For children with disabilities, this often means receiving education that is adapted to their individual strengths, abilities and pace.” On Thursday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is attentive to the educational needs of people with disabilities. As of June 2025, nearly 171,000 children with disabilities have been recorded as having learning difficulties, including children with autism.

Advancement) have already shown success. Over 80% of its women participants found jobs after completing training in technical fields.” While policy thinkers laud these plans, recent graduates say it is still in its early days. The government plan to align wages, including a minimum wage above RM1,700 and a RM3,100 benchmark for GLC and GLIC sectors, has sparked hope, but some graduates say the current pay still falls short of real costs. Nur Ameera, 20, a construction management employee and Teknologi Pembinaan graduate from Taiping Vocational College, said her current salary of about RM1,700 is acceptable for someone still adapting to the demands of the job. “The skills we learn in training don’t always match what we face at work. I’m still learning every day. “People think TVET students are lazy, but in truth, we’re very hands-on and practical. We just need the right support to prove our worth.” Dina Syazwani Nor Azlan, 20, who works in human resources, said the RM3,100 benchmark is a fair aspiration, although her current allowance remains modest. “For now, the experience and mentorship I’m gaining are more valuable than the pay,” she said, adding that a fair starting salary in her field should fall between RM1,800 and RM1,900. Despite the pay gap, both graduates said they would recommend the TVET path to SPM school-leavers, citing stronger job-readiness and real-world skills.

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

for rural youth. She added that at the same time, the training fund is being aligned with key industries such as electric vehicles, automation, renewable energy, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. “There is now a clearer route from classroom to career. Graduates won’t just walk away with a certificate, they will also have access to jobs through industry partnerships, or a path to further study via the Malaysian Technical University Network.” She highlighted the need to take TVET to marginalised communities through mobile TVET programmes and satellite training centres, reaching deep into villages, islands and Orang Asli settlements. “This approach ensures that no one is left behind in national development.” Massila praised ongoing efforts to expand TVET to tahfiz students, allowing them to become huffaz who are spiritually grounded yet technically skilled, and better positioned for entrepreneurship. “Programmes like Jelita (Job Empowerment by Learning and Inclusive Technical

PETALING JAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) underscores the government’s renewed push to elevate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a national game-changer, but while policy ambitions run high, fresh graduates are watching with cautious optimism. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin said the TVET focus reflects a serious commitment to addressing youth unemployment, closing skills gaps and boosting labour productivity. “The Perkasa TVET Madani Financing Scheme and the TVET Training Fund show that the government is not merely talking, it’s acting. These initiatives are crucial for B40 and M40 youths, especially those in rural and remote areas.” Massila said the financing schemes would cover both training fees and living expenses, a move aimed at removing long-standing barriers PETALING JAYA: As the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) offers fresh pledges to uplift the Orang Asli , long-time advocate for the community Dr Colin Nicholas is urging the government to move beyond familiar rhetoric and deliver concrete reforms, especially on land rights. The Centre for Orang Asli Concerns coordinator welcomed the inclusion of Orang Asli issues in the national development plan but cautioned that past experience demands scepticism. “I’ve been involved in Orang Asli matters since the 1990s, and these kinds of promises have been made many times. “While it is good that the government is speaking about these concerns again, what is missing are the details, particularly around land rights.” Among the headline initiatives under the plan is a proposed amendment to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 [Act 134], aimed at reinforcing legal protection of Orang Asli land ownership. Yet, Nicholas fears that such amendments could end up narrowing existing rights rather than strengthening them. “There is a real concern that the changes might only recognise rights to land that Orang Asli currently live on or farm, not the broader customary territories that are an important part of their heritage. “This has been a long-standing issue, especially since the 2009 land policy suggested limiting claims to occupied land, although the courts have recognised broader customary rights.” He said it is crucial for the government to take a firm and transparent stance on the matter. “It would be reassuring to hear a firm commitment that Orang Asli , as the first peoples of this country, have rights not just to settled land but also to their traditional territories.” Nicholas also questioned whether the current legislative framework, built around a single Act, is equipped to handle the complex and multifaceted challenges faced by Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Plan to uplift Orang Asli raises broader concerns

Nicholas said there is real concern over recognition of Orang Asli rights involving customary land and traditional territories. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

tragic 2015 incident in Kelantan, in which seven Orang Asli schoolchildren went missing and five were later found dead. “That incident deeply affected the community. Yet, we have not seen any clear statement or plan from the government outlining how Orang Asli education will be improved. “We often hear broad promises, but what we really need now are concrete, actionable steps.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said 13MP outlines bold efforts to bridge the gap, highlighting a review of Act 134, expansion of community-based schools in Orang Asli areas and direct educational assistance to ensure fair and consistent access to quality schooling.

Orang Asli communities. “But just like other communities have specific laws for different matters, Orang Asli issues deserve the same treatment. “A separate Act for Orang Asli land, for instance, would offer more focused protection.” He expressed concern over the level of government control embedded in the existing law, particularly in areas such as the appointment of village headmen and decisions regarding community representation. “It’s important that Orang Asli communities are given space to lead and make decisions for themselves.” On education, Nicholas pointed out the government’s lack of follow-through after the