Unicef and MASW: Social Work Bill key to protecting at-risk children

SHAH ALAM - Unicef and the Malaysian Association of Social Workers (MASW) called for the urgent passage of the long-awaited Social Work Profession Bill to address the critical shortage of trained social workers in Malaysia, particularly for the country’s most vulnerable communities.

Malaysia’s most at-risk groups, including thousands of children facing abuse and neglect, remained in danger due to the lack of qualified social workers.

In a joint statement, Unicef and MASW highlighted that although the Social Work Profession Bill had been in development since 2010, it had yet to be tabled, leaving social workers without the necessary recognition and support they deserved.

Both organisations urged the government to prioritise the legislation, echoing calls from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

Unicef Malaysia’s Child Protection Chief, Saskia Blume stressed that social workers were the unsung heroes at the forefront of safeguarding children.

“Adequate funding for the social service workforce is crucial to ensure that social workers can effectively protect children and their families from falling through the cracks.

“The Bill is not just about the professionalisation of social work, it is about investing in the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens; children,” she said.

Malaysia’s social work sector continued to fall behind other countries in the region, where nations like Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia had already enacted laws to professionalise the field.

Malaysia’s social worker-to-population ratio currently stands at 1:8,576, significantly lagging behind Singapore’s 1:3,448.

With Budget 2025 approaching, Unicef and MASW called for increased funding for social services, urging the government to pass the Bill, which would mandate the licensing and registration of social workers.

“It represents a shift towards strengthening the systems that protect women and children in Malaysia. Social workers play a crucial role in promoting well-being and addressing social challenges.

“They are essential not only in social welfare, schools, health and justice sectors but also in community development and policy formulation, where their professional values and expertise make a significant impact.

“Passing this Bill will help bridge the gaps in these vital services and support Malaysia’s broader development programme,” he said.

Unicef and MASW remained committed to working with the Malaysian government to professionalise social work, aligning with global goals to improve social services and protect the nation’s vulnerable populations.