Selangor: The Selangor government is open to collaborating with the Malaysian Occupational Therapy Association to strengthen an inclusive and responsive public health ecosystem in the state. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin stated that this synergy can empower the field of public health, thereby reinforcing efforts and initiatives on early mental health intervention programmes introduced by the state government, such as Selangor Mental Sihat (SEHAT).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the SEHAT programme highlights topics related to people’s emotional and mental well-being and comprises several components like the SEHAT Hub Counsellor Programme, SEHAT Hotline, as well as “Bicara Hati bersama Kaunselor” or “Pakar Psikologi” slots on SelangorFM radio. Jamaliah mentioned that the State Health Department (JKNS) can initiate discussions with the Malaysian Occupational Therapy Association for cooperation in implementing rehabilitation programmes across the 12 districts in the state. She emphasized that occupational therapists can play a key role in advocacy and promoting available services, especially for community members unaware of how to seek treatment and rehabilitation.

Jamaliah also highlighted the urgent need to increase the number of occupational therapists in Malaysia to meet the current demand, particularly with the rising number of senior citizens, chronic diseases, mental health issues, and special needs children. She pointed out the current ratio is only one occupational therapist for more than 10,000 people, which is significantly behind countries like Japan and the United States.

Regarding the 2025 Malaysian Occupational Therapy National Conference (MOTNC), Jamaliah noted that it has become a crucial platform for strengthening cross-sector collaboration networks and serves as a catalyst for new innovations in interventional approaches in Malaysia. The conference aims to enhance the standards of the profession to a higher level.

The three-day conference is organized by the Malaysian Occupational Therapy Association, in collaboration with the Occupational Therapy Services of the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Department of Health and the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.