Malaysian counsellors including volunteers must register with LKM before offering services to ensure ethical and professional standards.
KUALA LUMPUR: All trained counsellors including volunteers are required to register with the Malaysian Board of Counsellors before offering counselling services.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry and LKM made this decision so that counselling would be more inclusive and have high impact.
She stated that as of August 2025, there were 12,583 registered counsellors in Malaysia.
Nancy announced that through the National Counselling Services Policy and Action Plan 2025–2035, LKM is determined to ensure the profession remains relevant and ethical.
She said her ministry is committed to strengthening the role of Registered Counsellor Volunteers as field heroes who provide community support.
The minister revealed that as of September 2025, more than 9,700 cases had been successfully handled by these services.
She highlighted Psychological First Aid assistance to UPSI student accident victims in June as reflecting true empathy.
Nancy encouraged Malaysians to be more open in sharing feelings through the “Are You OK? Let’s Share!” campaign.
She emphasised that asking “Are You OK?” shows care and reminds people they are not alone.
LKM president Datin Dr Ruhani Mat Min said her party had launched the ‘MYeLKM’ portal as a counsellor database.
She explained the system aims to make it easier for the public to obtain services and check practitioner accreditation.
Dr Ruhani stated any counsellor offering services must register with LKM once in their lifetime.
She confirmed counsellors must renew their practitioner’s licence every two years to ensure professionalism.
The public can currently use the MYeLKM portal for review processes with online applications launching in January 2026.
October has been National Counselling Month since 2016 in conjunction with World Mental Health Day.
This month serves as an important platform to raise mental health awareness and strengthen the counselling profession. – Bernama
