PUTRAJAYA, Jan 20 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced that the government has expanded free education initiatives for students from low-income families and 3,000 students with disabilities enrolled in universities, polytechnics, and community colleges.

He said the move is part of broader efforts to improve access to education and reduce inequality across the education system.

“Assistance with textbooks and reading programmes has also been expanded, focusing on fostering a love of reading among students.

“Ten thousand underprivileged students and 3,000 students with disabilities at technical and vocational institutions, polytechnics, and community colleges who will receive free education,” he said during his speech at the launch of the National Education Blueprint 2026-2035 here.

He also said reforms will extend to polytechnics and community colleges, with a strong emphasis on digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

He then said the Ministry of Education is drafting the Polytechnic and Community College Act, and that ten polytechnics will undergo progressive upgrades throughout the implementation of the new education plan.

“From the outset, we have targeted the need for free education. Now, from Year 1 to Form 6, education is free, with additional allowances provided for students.

“Two years ago, RM100 was allocated for students to purchase books. Last year, I announced support for teachers to buy books for reading programmes.

“This is important because the habit of reading is declining, not just in Malaysia but globally,” he added.

Anwar added that Malaysia needs to actively cultivate young talent by promoting reading within the education system, encouraging students to engage not only with textbooks but also with supplementary materials and novels.

He warned that this is essential as the once-strong culture of reading is steadily declining.