KLANG, Dec 22 — The Amanah Negara Women’s Wing (Awan) Convention approved a motion today to urge the government to table the Social Work Profession Bill in the next Parliament session.
The motion, which includes a request for the government to establish a professional social work service system, promote the status of social workers, as well as ensure the rights and interests of service recipients, was unanimously supported by over 500 representatives after being presented by National Awan Committee member Anfaal Saari.
Anfaal, who is also the Selangor executive councillor for women and social welfare development, said the government, via the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry, announced in March last year that the bill was in the final stages of formulation but which has yet to be presented in the Dewan Rakyat.
Once enacted, the government will hopefully be able to create more job opportunities by making the hiring of social workers a requirement in granting aid for social and welfare programmes.
“In addition, we also urge the government to conduct a study to reform welfare and social institutions by allocating more spending and encouraging non-governmental organisations, foundations or corporate companies to implement welfare and social programmes.
“With this, they can focus on efforts to formulate policies, as well as regulate and evaluate the caregiving initiatives themselves,” she said.
The Social Work Profession Bill aims to recognise the social work profession by establishing the Social Work Profession Council, which would be responsible for regulating the social work profession through the registration and certification of registered social workers’ practices.
Furthermore, it aims to set practical and educational standards for social work, encourage professional development and enhance the image of the social work profession in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the convention also approved three other motions and six undebated motions which will be brought to the National Amanah Convention held tomorrow and on Sunday (December 24).
— Bernama
