The motion, which calls for a Social Work Profession Bill to be tabled at the next parliamentary session, was unanimously supported by over 500 delegates at the convention.

The motion was presented by Awan’s national committee member Anfaal Saari, who is the Selangor executive councillor for women and social welfare.

She said the government had announced in March last year that the bill was in the final stages of formulation, but it has yet to be presented in the Dewan Rakyat.

Once enacted, it is hoped that the government will be able to create more job opportunities by making the hiring of social workers a requirement in granting aid for social and welfare programmes, she said.

“In addition, the government is also urged to conduct a study to reform welfare and social institutions by allocating more funding and encouraging non-governmental organisations, foundations or corporate companies to implement welfare and social programmes.

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.

The convention also approved three other motions and six undebated motions that will be brought to the national Amanah convention over the weekend.