Seberang jaya: The Malaysian Social Work Profession Council is on the verge of being established as soon as the Social Work Profession Act is officially gazetted, announced Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry is currently advancing with the gazettement procedure for the Social Work Profession Act, subsequent to its approval by both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara. Lim expressed gratitude for the bill's passage and highlighted the next steps towards implementing it as an act.

Lim elaborated that with the act's activation, the initial move would be to set up the Malaysian Social Work Profession Council. The council's structure and membership criteria have already been outlined in the bill, facilitating a smooth establishment process once the act is in effect.

During a recent session in the Dewan Negara, Lim explained that the council's membership would be comprehensive, including representatives from the government, private sector, NGOs, academia, and social work practitioners across the nation. The council will be responsible for registering social work practitioners, establishing professional competency standards, and handling ethical and disciplinary issues related to social workers.

Lim emphasized the act's significance in enhancing professionalism within the social work sector, safeguarding the public against unqualified individuals claiming the title of social worker, and acknowledging the profession as a vital career path.