LUNDU: The Social Work Profession Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament by the end of this year, or by early next year at the latest.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the proposed legislation is now in its final stages, with engagements and feedback sessions still ongoing across the country, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
She said the ministry is currently fine-tuning the draft to ensure it reflects current industry needs, including clearer definitions of who qualifies as a professional social worker.
“We just held another engagement session yesterday, but it wasn’t the only one. We’ve been engaging with many stakeholder groups nationwide.
“Our ministry is still accepting feedback until July 13 through a QR code on our social media.
“There’s still time for individuals to share their views,” she said to reporters after attending a briefing on the services of key agencies under her ministry at Dewan SALCRA Bajo Lundu here today.
Nancy said many questions raised during engagements focused on professional recognition and legal protection for those already active in the field, especially those with social work degrees.
The ministry, she said, wants to ensure the law provides protection not only for social workers but also for the people who receive their services.
“Once this becomes law, ‘social worker’ will refer to a recognised profession. This is important to ensure standards, recognition and accountability moving forward.
“This law will help define and safeguard the scope of work involved, so that practitioners and clients alike are covered under a proper legal framework,” she added.
Nancy also clarified that the proposed Bill is separate from the Employment Act and will not be merged with it.
She said this legislation is specifically tailored to regulate individuals in the care sector and is not intended to govern salaries or general employment terms.
“The Employment Act is different. This one focuses on services delivered by individuals in the field, not on pay or employee benefits.
“We still have to go through a few steps, including submitting the draft to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“Only after that can it be brought back to Cabinet and then tabled,” she said.