KUALA LUMPUR: As the world marks World Social Work Day today, the Malaysian Association of Social Workers (MASW) has issued a singular message to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim: support social workers by finally tabling the long-awaited Social Work Profession Bill in Parliament.
The call, led by association president Dr Teoh Ai Hua, comes as some three million social workers globally stand together to promote the profession’s contributions to individuals, families and the wider society.
“We urge the Prime Minister and the Women, Family and Community Development Minister to move decisively to table the Bill, so Malaysia can finally uphold the justice, dignity and protection that every individual and family deserves,” said Teoh.
Despite social workers playing a vital role in the country for over 70 years, and the Bill first being drafted in 2010, Malaysia continues to lag behind its regional neighbours.
Countries including the Philippines (since 1965), Singapore (2009), Thailand (2013) and Indonesia (2019) have already introduced laws to professionalise the sector and enhance support for their workforces.
Over the past three years, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has repeatedly stated her ministry’s intent to table the Bill. To date, the legislation has not reached the Dewan Rakyat.
The latest impasse appears to stem from a lack of consensus among stakeholders following suggestions that the Bill will only cover social workers outside government agencies.
Speaking to Twentytwo13, Teoh said MASW believes the legislation must regulate all practitioners across all sectors to safeguard those who rely on these services.
“Social work is no different from other professional groups, all of which are regulated regardless of the sector in which they practise,” he said.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that no one – especially the vulnerable – is deprived of quality services delivered by qualified and accountable practitioners.”
MASW was formed March 3, 1973. Its formation was the result of a general agreement among social workers in the welfare services and hospitals that there should be one umbrella body to meet their professional needs.
In Malaysia, social workers serve in various sectors, ranging from government welfare departments and agencies to non-governmental organisations. They also play pivotal roles in areas such as healthcare and education.
Key areas of their work include child protection, family support, rehabilitation and mental health, alongside community development and disability services.
Teoh is advocating an inclusive approach given current challenges, including practitioners who lack formal qualifications due to the historical absence of regulation.
He said this would allow experienced workers to gain recognition through structured training, competency assessments and transitional pathways.
“We understand the government’s concerns regarding the complexity of regulating every social worker immediately,” Teoh noted.
“Nonetheless, it is vital that the Bill clearly defines its scope as covering all social workers, even if implementation is carried out in phases.”
He added that the association has worked on the Bill for 16 years.
“There should be no further delay. The profession, the sector and our communities have waited long enough.”
Social workers: The human cost of the numbers gap
The stark reality is that the social worker-to-population ratio in Malaysia stands at 1:8,576. This followed a 2019 study by the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu).
The findings revealed a severe shortage when compared with developed nations such as Australia (1:1,040) and Singapore (1:3,448). The study also noted that many social workers are burdened with administrative or unrelated duties, reducing efficiency and contributing to widespread burnout.
Research published in the Asian Social Work Journal in 2018 suggests the profession is largely female-dominated (69.2 per cent) and led by middle-aged practitioners, with the largest age group being those aged between 41 and 50 (38.9 per cent).
Those aged between 21 and 30 make up 13.7 per cent, while those aged between 31 and 40 represent 31.2 per cent of the workforce.
MASW honorary secretary Amy Bala warned that heavy workloads and burnout are inevitable.
“If this trend continues, it may result in staff shortages, reduced service quality and weakened welfare support for vulnerable communities,” she said.
Amy said the emotional demands of the role – ranging from hearing difficult stories to carrying the trauma of others – can take a significant toll.
“This is particularly apparent among female social workers, who often juggle professional duties with family obligations.”
She said this was not a lack of care, but simply the human cost of carrying too much for too long.
Celebrating a profession in waiting
Despite the current setbacks, MASW continues to mark World Social Work Day through professional development and awareness-raising activities.
As this year’s celebration coincides with Ramadan and the lead-up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri, most activities have moved online. This includes advocacy work and collaborations with NGOs and public universities.
Amy said MASW has met with seven public universities offering degree, masters and PhD programmes in social work and two colleges offering social work diplomas to organise events focused on this year’s theme: “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society”.
According to the International Federation of Social Workers, this year’s theme is inspired by the African concept of Harambee, meaning pulling together.
A global theme with local resonance
Teoh said this year’s theme holds deep significance for Malaysia’s multicultural society.
“Harambee – the call to pull together toward a shared purpose – echoes our own traditions of gotong-royong and muafakat, as well as mitatabang among the Kadazan Dusun and bedurok among the Iban.”
“This is fully aligned with the principles of the Rukun Negara, which guide us in navigating complexity with dignity and mutual regard.”
Teoh described social workers as “bridge-builders” who create spaces for dialogue and help families navigate conflict.
“This year’s theme is both a reminder and a call to action,” Teoh said.
“It reminds us that hope and harmony are not abstract ideals but outcomes we build through daily practice, ethical leadership and collective effort.”
MASW hopes social workers will step forward with renewed unity and confidence, lifting the momentum of the day into a full month of recognising and strengthening the profession.
“Through various programmes and events, we continue to amplify our collective voice, honour the vital contributions of social workers, and advance ethical, competent practice that builds real hope and lasting harmony in our communities.”
“And with equal conviction, we hope to see the Social Work Profession Bill tabled soon, as a necessary and timely step towards securing the recognition and professional foundation our nation urgently needs.”
