Its minister, Nancy Shukri, said the ministry was unable to finalise the bill in time for it to be tabled before the current Dewan Rakyat session, which began on Oct 14.

“Not this year. Discussions (with stakeholders) are still in progress,” she told reporters after launching the National Social Policy 2030 at the World Trade Centre here today.

She did not specify when the ministry aims to table the bill.

In March, two civil organisations urged the government to expedite the tabling of the bill to strengthen the social welfare department’s handling of domestic abuse cases.

They said the department does not have enough qualified social workers to handle the volume of domestic abuse cases it currently receives.

The bill aims to formally recognise the profession by establishing a council which would be responsible for regulating social workers through professional registration and certification.

The council will also set practical and educational standards, and encourage professional development.

Balancing social, economic development

Meanwhile, deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia needs to prioritise economic growth while also investing in the people’s social well-being in order to achieve sustainable development.

Zahid, who also chairs the National Social Council, highlighted an imbalance between the nation’s social and economic development, noting the country’s improved gross domestic product ranking and its 54th position in the global Social Progress Index.

“The National Social Policy 2030 will set the social direction of the country by identifying and addressing social issues in a holistic manner. It serves to balance Malaysia’s economic development with social development,” he said.

Zahid also expressed hope that the National Social Policy 2030 would be able to propel Malaysia into the top-25 of the Human Development Index and Corruption Perceptions Index.