Merlimau melaka:<Text>

Polytechnics and community colleges (POLYCC) are intensifying their efforts to develop a more inclusive and accessible higher education environment for persons with disabilities (PwD), aligning with the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Polytechnic Education and Community College Department director-general, Dr. Shamsuri Abdullah, announced the launch of the PwD Education Development Plan. This strategic framework is designed to improve the inclusiveness of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) within the institutions.

Dr. Shamsuri explained that the plan encompasses comprehensive policies and guidelines that address curriculum design, the development of new programmes, and infrastructure improvements to support the needs of students with disabilities at polytechnics and community colleges. "This plan serves as a strategic framework to empower students with dis abilities at polytechnics and community colleges, ensuring both academic support and a conducive learning environment," he stated during the Aspiration Ceremony of the Director-General of Polytechnic and Community College Education 2026 at Merlimau Melaka Polytechnic (PMM).

He further elaborated that POLYCC aims to offer a broader range of programmes, including those for visually impaired students, to ensure more equitable access to education. Data indicates that between 300 and 400 students with disabilities are enrolled in each new intake, across seven categories such as learning and hearing impairments.

Dr. Shamsuri highlighted that five polytechnics are currently offering the Exclusive Education Programme for Students with Disabilities (PPEP OKU): Ibrahim Sultan Polytechnic, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Polytechnic, Ungku Omar Polytechnic, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Polytechnic, and Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic. "Various specialised courses tailored to specific skill area s are offered, including the Special Certificate in Catering Operations, Mechanical Maintenance, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, and Construction. The PPEP OKU is also available at community colleges in Gerik, Chenderoh, Kuala Terengganu, Selayang, and Bayan Baru across various fields," he noted.

Additionally, Dr. Shamsuri mentioned that polytechnics and community colleges aim to produce over one million graduates by the next year, in line with their mission to supply quality, skilled graduates to meet labour market demands and support national development. This target is expected to be supported by high employability rates among graduates, achieved through close collaboration with industry and programmes tailored to current needs.

Moreover, Dr. Shamsuri revealed that the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Bachelor's Degree programme would be offered at Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Polytechnic and Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah Polytechnic, focusing on electricity and electronics to me et the industrial sector's demands in the northern region.