Abolition Of Fees For Students With Disabilities Expands Access To Education | CENTRE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE (CQA)
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Abolition of Fees For Students With Disabilities Expands Access to Education

 

    
         

EVERY student has the right to pursue their academic dreams. For people with disabilities (OKU), the announcement of the abolition of tuition fees starting this year is not just financial relief, but also recognition of their right to study without barriers.

The initiative is seen as opening up wider opportunities for disabled students to continue their studies without financial burdens, as well as reflecting the government's commitment to strengthening fair and equitable access to higher education in line with the aspirations of the Malaysian Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026–2035.

Senior Assistant Registrar of the Student Residency & Hospitality Unit, Student Affairs Division (HEP) of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kelantan Branch, Mohd Azrul Sidek said the announcement was a progressive step towards inclusive education.

"We welcome this initiative because it opens up wider social mobility, reduces financial burdens and ensures that no disabled students are left behind.

"We ourselves have implemented automatic accommodation fee exemptions for all disabled students registered with the UiTM Disabled Services and Development Division (U-DeserveD) since the end of 2024," he said.

He said that as the largest public university, UiTM has a responsibility to ensure that the rights of disabled students are respected through an inclusive and barrier-free campus.

 
 

 

According to him, apart from the abolition of fees, aspects of disabled-friendly infrastructure need to continue to be strengthened, including easily accessible physical facilities and a barrier-free campus environment.

"Continuous training for academic and administrative staff is also important to increase understanding of the needs of disabled students, thus ensuring that the teaching and learning process can be adapted more effectively.

"The welfare and psychosocial support aspects also need to be given attention as a complement to this initiative," he said.

Mohd Azrul said the abolition of fees was an important basic step, but the true success of inclusive education depended on the development of a comprehensive ecosystem involving all parties.

Meanwhile, Bachelor of Food Science (Food Services and Nutrition) student, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Nur Amalina Adriana Osmera, 23, described the announcement as a significant step to help disabled students.

He said that the initiative not only eases the financial burden, but also encourages them to continue focusing on their studies.

 

 

"The cost of studying is often a major concern, especially for students who face additional challenges in terms of special needs and daily expenses.

"This move provides great relief and allows us to focus on learning," he said.

According to him, the decision also shows the government's commitment to inclusive and equitable education for all.

Nur Amalina Adriana, who has had limited vision since the age of 15, said she relies heavily on digital materials and help from classmates in her learning.

"Despite facing constraints, I still tried to adapt and continue my studies," he said.

He also hopes that the government will strengthen educational support, including special allowances and assistive technology to help disabled students.

He said employers also need to provide a more disability-friendly work environment to ensure graduates have fair opportunities in the job market.

"Community support is important to give confidence to disabled graduates to dare to try and show their abilities," he said.

 

    

Article shared by: Norliyani Anor | Data Programme Section

Source from:

Date of Input: 22/05/2026 | Updated: 07/06/2026 | aidawati

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