Kedah:<Text>

A total of 239 primary and secondary schools in Kedah currently host the Special Education Integrated Programme (PPKI) to accommodate students with special needs in the state. State Education Director Abdul Rahim Mat stated that, overall, the programme involves 8,559 students across 879 classes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, out of the total, 154 PPKI programmes are located in primary schools, comprising five classes for the visually impaired, five classes for the hearing impaired, 463 classes for learning disabilities, and two classes for dyslexia. Additionally, another 85 PPKI programmes are in secondary schools, involving four classes for the visually impaired, 15 for the hearing impaired, and 385 for learning disabilities.

"God willing, all of this will benefit our students, who are a priority for both the government and the Kedah State Education Department (JPN)," Abdul Rahim said. He further mentioned plans to ensure that every district has a PPKI, as demand for learning disability programmes is quite high. They are aiming for at least one dedicated building per district in 10 districts.

Abdul Rahim shared these insights during a media interaction following the handover ceremony of the new PPKI supplementary building at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Gunong. The ceremony also included the distribution of early schooling aid, officiated by the Ministry of Education Secretary-General, Datuk Dr. Aminuddin Hassim. The SK Gunong PPKI building, valued at over RM.4 million, will accommodate more than 30 students with learning disabilities and is equipped with specialised facilities for those with special needs.

Meanwhile, Aminuddin expressed his hope that schools would fully utilise the facilities and new buildings provided. He urged, "We hope these facilities are well-maintained. Please report any defects - such as leaking roofs, toilet damage, or drainage issues - immediately, so that the contractors can carry out urg ent repairs during this period."