BANGI: The proposed Social Workers Profession Bill will be presented to the Cabinet to be finalised within a month, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
He said the bill, now in its final review, was to enhance the quality of social care delivery in the country.
“Malaysia will be an aging population country by 2030, so we must prepare a comprehensive plan to improve the social welfare.
“The government is serious in improving the delivery of professional welfare services to the people.
“I will ensure that the bill will be presented to the cabinet no longer than a month from today,” he told reporters after the launch of national welfare month here, today.
Also present were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim and her deputy Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun.
The bill was first mooted by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in 2012.
It was reported that the bill would create a pool of qualified and competent social workers, while easing their tasks and ensuring that their career would have a bright future.
Asked on the reason for the five-year delay, Zahid said there were technical aspects to be ironed out before the bill could be finalised.
“We have to consider the validity of the law for at least 50 more years to come,” he added.
Zahid suggested that a townhall session be held to discuss the causes of and solutions to social ills.
He said the worrying number of cases on gangsterism, drug addiction and teen pregnancy called for psychological, scientific and religious intervention.
He proposed that the townhall be held under the National Blue Ocean Strategy to include various ministries, agencies, departments, non-governmental organisations, individuals, experts and even political parties.
"We want to include more parties and find a solution to this worrying problem and if possible, I want the townhall session to be conducted 45 days from now," he added.
Earlier, Zahid announced the "Beautiful Life for Seniors" (Belfos) initiative to help those aged 60 and above to live a prosperous and meaningful life.
The Belfos will aid the elderly through five areas - retirement welfare; health and fitness advocacy; volunteerism; financial management and entrepreneurial development; and career guidance and re-entering the job market.