27/01/2026
๐จ PUBLIC ADVISORY: UNQUALIFIED THERAPISTS & UNLICENSED THERAPY CENTRES ๐จ
Occupational Therapy Malaysia (OT Malaysia) has received increasing concerns from the public regarding individuals and therapy centres offering services without recognised professional qualifications, proper registration, or valid approval from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH).
This issue was also raised during our recent Townhall session and reflects a growing need for public awareness and stronger safeguards โ particularly for children with special needs.
โ ๏ธ Key Concerns Identified
โข Individuals misrepresenting themselves as healthcare or therapy professionals
โข Therapy centres operating without valid MOH licensing or regulatory oversight
โข Use of misleading titles or credentials that are not recognised by Malaysian authorities
โข Interventions delivered without evidence-based rationale or clinical accountability
โข Lack of structured documentation, outcome monitoring, and child safety procedures
๐ง Who Is Most at Risk?
โข Children with developmental needs (e.g. ASD, ADHD, developmental delays)
โข Families seeking early intervention services
โข Parents and caregivers without access to clear regulatory information
๐ด Why This Matters
Unregulated therapy services may result in:
โข Delayed access to appropriate intervention
โข Potential physical or psychological harm
โข Missed developmental windows
โข Financial and emotional burden on families
At a system level, such practices erode public trust and compromise the integrity of regulated health professions.
๐๏ธ Role of Malaysian Occupational Therapy Association
As the professional body representing Occupational Therapists in Malaysia, OT Malaysia:
โข Advocates for ethical, safe, and evidence-based practice
โข Supports public understanding of legitimate occupational therapy services
โข Serves as a professional reference point to guide concerns towards appropriate regulatory channels
โข Works collaboratively with stakeholders to uphold professional standards
OT Malaysia does not conduct enforcement, but plays an important role in facilitating awareness, clarification, and appropriate reporting.
๐ Official Reporting Channel
Concerns involving unlicensed practitioners or centres should be directed to:
๐ SISPAA โ Ministry of Health Malaysia
๐ https://moh.spab.gov.my
๐ Category: Healthcare Services / Public & Private Treatment Centres
๐ฃ Public Reminder
โ๏ธ Verify professional qualifications
โ๏ธ Ask about licensing and clinical governance
โ๏ธ Choose evidence-based services
โ๏ธ Speak up when something does not feel right
Protecting children and maintaining professional standards is a shared responsibility.
This advisory is issued for public awareness and professional guidance.