LETTERS: Social workers are the pulse of a caring nation. They help to realise the reform agenda of Malaysia Madani.
Sadly, the majority of us mistakenly equate social workers with volunteers and charity workers.
It is time for all of us to #standwithmysocialworkers and #sokongkerjasosial.
Social workers are qualified and trained professionals equipped with a diploma in social work, bachelor's degree in social work, a master's or even a doctorate in social studies.
They are kind, compassionate and formidable people with a passion to serve and care for humanity.
They are trained to handle the complexities associated with poverty, homelessness, depression, domestic violence, mental illness, child abuse and substance addiction.
Their work is evidence-based and follows global standard operating procedures.
Professional social workers make a difference to communities.
They enable marginalised families and youth to become resilient, skilled and entrepreneurial.
They help to save lives through crisis intervention and suicide prevention. They empower youth to succeed by creating a better future.
They give battered mothers the hope, strength and courage to lead a dignified life for their families.
They break barriers and promote social justice and equality among the marginalised.
They help build strong families to overcome challenges, and help people combat isolation and loneliness.
They help refugees and children overcome the trauma of trafficking.
Social workers serve without asking for anything in return.
It is time for all of us to #supportmysocialworkers by writing letters and petitions to legislators and voice their plight in the media for the government to hasten the passage of the Social Work Profession Bill.
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, the Social Work Advocacy Coalition, the Malaysian Association of Social Workers and the United Nations Children's Fund have been advocating for the recognition of the social workers profession and to regulate social work.
We need the support of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the government, the rakyat, politicians, Attorney-General's Chambers, civil servants and the media to ensure a quick passage of the bill.
In the eyes of social workers, human tears are colourless. Their job is to care for all.
MALKEET SINGH
Rawang, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times