By Ling Hui and Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Nov 2: To date, there are only 488 active counsellors who are registered under the Malaysian Board of Counsellors serving the community in Sarawak.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said as Sarawak has a population of 2.9 million, one counsellor will have to serve 6,000 persons.
“Clearly, there is a growing demand for psychologists and counsellors in Sarawak.
“Recognising the importance of counselling and psychology services, the State of Sarawak envisioned a ‘One Community One Counsellor’ that targets achieving the holistic wellbeing of our people,” he said.
In cognizance of the need for community psychological support, Abang Johari said he has commissioned the establishment of Sarawak Psychology Counselling Community Centre (SPCC).
It is a special initiative of the Sarawak government to care for the mental health and wellbeing of its people, especially those who are psychologically disturbed.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also took note of the importance of providing psychological and counselling services among the Sarawak’s Civil Service (SCS) by placing 42 psychology officers in various agencies and departments under the Sarawak government.
“Another initiative is the SCS Employee Wellbeing Model, which was developed to serve as a guide in implementing initiatives towards developing a thriving workforce, both mentally and physically.
“This initiatives create opportunities and establishes an environment to facilitate the development of a healthy, happy, successful and productive civil workforce,” he said while officiating at the International Counselling Convention 2022 held at a local hotel here tonight.
Among those also present were Sarawak State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, International Association for Counselling president Professor Dr William Bogan, International Counselling Association of Malaysia president Dato Dr Abd Halim Mohd Hussin and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi. — DayakDaily
