Malaysian Sign Language to Be Introduced in Schools Under 2027 Curriculum | KiddyNews

Step Towards More Inclusive Classrooms

Students in Malaysia will have the opportunity to learn Malaysian Sign Language as part of the upcoming 2027 school curriculum, a move aimed at strengthening inclusivity and raising awareness about persons with disabilities in schools.

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the initiative under the 2027 School Curriculum (KP2027) will allow mainstream students to learn Malaysian Sign Language as an additional language in schools that offer special education programmes.

He noted that the move is expected to help foster greater understanding and acceptance of persons with disabilities within school communities.

Building on Existing Special Education Efforts

The initiative complements ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Education Malaysia to strengthen inclusive education.

Since 2011, the ministry has introduced subjects such as Communicative Sign Language and Basic Education for Individuals with Visual Impairment through the Primary School Standard Curriculum for Special Education (KSSRPK).

These subjects are implemented through the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI), which enables students with disabilities and mainstream students to interact and learn together both inside and outside the classroom.

According to Wong, participation by mainstream students in learning sign language can improve empathy and tolerance toward people with disabilities while encouraging social integration from an early age.

Wider Support for Children with Disabilities

Separately, Nancy Shukri said the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development Malaysia continues to expand support for children with disabilities from low-income families.

Government initiatives focus on five key areas: welfare and financial assistance, inclusive and special education, rehabilitation and early intervention, skills development and employability, as well as policy and legal protection.

Nancy said these efforts aim to ensure that children with disabilities have access to educational opportunities and support throughout their development.

Assistance and Early Intervention Programmes

The ministry provides several forms of financial assistance, including Children’s Financial Aid, Federal General Assistance and Foster Child Assistance, as well as support for prosthetic and assistive devices.

For persons with disabilities who are unable to work, monthly financial assistance is also available to support their livelihoods.

Early intervention programmes are delivered through the Community-Based Rehabilitation Programme, which provides basic skills training, social activities and a monthly allowance for participants.

Children with disabilities can also benefit from inclusive learning environments through special education programmes and early intervention initiatives at childcare centres serving children with disabilities.

Supporting Independence and Inclusion

For teenagers with disabilities, vocational training at the Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Centre in Bangi provides opportunities to obtain skills and recognised certifications.

In addition, the Worker’s Allowance for persons with disabilities is offered to encourage employment and independent living.

Nancy said these initiatives are guided by the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to education, welfare support and opportunities to participate fully in society.

She added that early intervention and inclusive support systems play a crucial role in helping children with disabilities grow into confident and independent adults.

Source:

Malay Mail  – “Students will learn Malaysian Sign Language under the 2027 school curriculum, making classrooms more inclusive”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond