Occupational therapy contributes to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals through active participation in everyday activities within a holistic care model. However, its development in Malaysia is stagnated and stifled by numerous internal and external factors. This paper aims to promote literacy about the profession by highlighting its scope of practice, the mandatory (national and international federation) and the non-evidence-based (medical hegemony) governing system and the workforce census in Malaysia. We highlight the disadvantages of an outdated medical hegemony system on the profession in Malaysia. The increase in autonomy through professional governance from its National and World Federation Board and the promotion of quality occupational therapy programmes are necessary for an increasing workforce. These actions can pave the way for affordable quality specialists’ care for various clients across the lifespan, institutional needs, and Malaysia’s public health sector.
Occupational Therapy