By Nursuraya Zulkifli
MELAKA, Oct 29 (Bernama) — The increase in the Special Education Needs Students (MBPK) allowance from RM150 to RM200 per month under Budget 2027 is expected to help parents meet their children’s educational needs.
For Noridah Leman, 42, who has two sons aged 14 and 15 with dyslexia, a large portion of the MBPK allowance is saved to cover their education expenses.
“Savings from the allowance my eldest son received while attending the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI) were used to fund his studies in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at a private institution after he left the school programme,” she told Bernama recently.
She said currently only her second child is still under PPKI, and the allowance received is also being saved in preparation for future educational costs.
Noridah, who lives in Padang Temu, near here, said financial planning is vital because PPKI students have fewer higher education options than mainstream students, with most options in private institutions.
The mother of four thanked the government for the allowance increase, which also helps cover school activities and the annual cost of replacing her children’s spectacles.
She hoped the government would continue expanding initiatives to assist PPKI students, such as programmes that identify interests and skill areas tailored to their capabilities.
“This is important to enable them to master suitable skills and prepare for entering the workforce,” she said.
Nor Zabaniah Sulaiman, 46, said the allowance hike helps meet the needs of her 11-year-old son, who has mild autism and is also enrolled in PPKI.
“Alhamdulillah, I am grateful for this additional assistance from the government as it provides extra funds for my child to buy books, clothes, and pay tuition fees.
“Besides being saved, any excess allowance can be used for my child to participate in sport stacking activities, which he enjoys. I hope this support continues to meet the needs of special education children in line with the goal of providing them support,” said the Duyong resident.
Under Budget 2027, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an increase in the MBPK allowance rate from RM150 to RM200 per month, benefiting 150,000 special education students, including autistic children.
— BERNAMA