Kuala lumpur: All trained counsellors, including volunteers, are now required to register with the Malaysian Board of Counsellors (LKM) before offering their services, announced Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. This decision was made in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) and LKM, aiming to ensure that counselling services are more inclusive and impactful, particularly for vulnerable and rural populations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy highlighted that as of August 2025, there are 12,583 registered counsellors in Malaysia. During her speech at the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Counselling Month Celebration, Nancy emphasized the importance of the ongoing National Counselling Services Policy and Action Plan 2025-2035. The plan seeks to maintain the relevance, ethics, and human values of the counselling profession.
Nancy further stated that KPWKM is dedicated to enhancing the role of Registered Counsellor Volunteers (SKB) as vital community support through initiatives like Talian Kasih 15999 and various community programs. She noted that by September 2025, more than 9,700 cases had been handled, including providing Psychological First Aid to accident victims from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in June.
Through the 'Are You OK? Let's Share!' campaign, Malaysians are encouraged to be more open about their feelings. Nancy remarked that a simple question like 'Are You OK?' can offer significant hope to those in distress, symbolizing care and companionship.
Meanwhile, LKM president Datin Dr Ruhani Mat Min introduced the 'MYeLKM' portal, a database for registered counsellors. This system is designed to facilitate public access to counselling services and verify practitioners' accreditation, including registration numbers and locations. Dr. Mat Min stated that counsellors must register with LKM once and renew their practitioner's license every two years to maintain certification. The MYeLKM portal is available now, with an online application set to launch in January 2026.
October has been recognized as National Counselling Month since 2016, coinciding with World Mental Health Day. It serves as a key platform for increasing mental health awareness and reinforcing the counselling profession's role in public well-being.