PETALING JAYA: For thousands of students with disabilities, entrance into universities is now financially within reach – but advocates warn that access without proper support could set many up to fail.
The Society of the Blind communication, advocacy and human rights committee chairman Muhamad Nadhir Abdul Nasir called the move ‘momentous’, saying it could significantly widen access to post-secondary education for persons with disabilities.
“Those with limited or no financial capacity to continue their studies will feel relieved by this announcement.”
However, Muhamad Nadhir said the policy’s success depends on effective implementation.
Echoing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s emphasis on delivery, he said execution will be critical for the disabled community.
Key concerns include whether universities, polytechnics and community colleges can accommodate a likely surge in applicants from persons with disabilities, not only in terms of academic placements but also accessible on-campus housing.
He also questioned whether the fee waiver would extend beyond undergraduates to postgraduate students, who often face additional research and publication costs.
Beyond tuition, structural barriers must be addressed through sustained funding and systemic reform. Muhamad Nadhir urged the government to ensure annual allocations are used to upgrade physical infrastructure, improve digital and online systems and strengthen student support services such as readers for blind students, sign-language interpreters and assistive technologies.
He also called for stronger disability service units, lecturer training and integration of Universal Design for Learning principles into teaching.
On monitoring, he proposed involving persons with disabilities directly to assess awareness, access and satisfaction, rather than relying solely on institutional reports.
He also suggested nationwide briefings and continuous social media campaigns for prospective students and families, and alternative pathways for those who dropped out or never accessed formal education, aligning with the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Johor Disabled Children Charitable and Care Organisation founder Dr Yahya Haidrus described the policy as an important step towards equal opportunity.
“Free education of course helps the disabled to reach their education potential, but cost is only part of the equation. The main barriers are often physical access, learning support and institutional readiness. Without proper accommodations, many students will still struggle to succeed.”
