Working in Malaysia
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Malaysia
2,736
Main language(s) spoken in Malaysia
Malay, English
Other languages commonly spoken in Malaysia
Mandarin, Tamil
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Not Required
It is compulsory to join the Malaysian Occupational Therapy Association in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
Preferred
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
English, Malay
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Malaysia
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Malaysian Occupational Therapy Association and was last updated on 14th July 2025. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Definition of Occupational Therapy in Malaysia
Malaysian Occupational Therapy Association's definition of occupational therapy in own language
Terapi Carakerja adalah profesion rawatan pemulihan dan penjagaan kesihatan yang memfokus kepada membantu individu daripada semua lapisan umur untuk melibatkan diri dan melakukan aktiviti kehidupan harian, produktiviti, dan aktiviti masa lapang yang terganggu akibat daripada masalah fizikal, psikologikal atau sosial.
Terapi Carakerja menggunakan pendekatan berpusatkan klien melalui aktiviti yang bertujuan dan bermakna, modifikasi peralatan dan persekitaran, adaptasi perlaksanaan pekerjaan, teknik terapeutik dan modaliti fizikal, pendidikan, dan konsultasi bagi mengekalkan, meningkatkan dan/atau mewujudkan kemahiran dan keupayaan individu tersebut supaya mereka dapat melaksanakan peranan secara optimum dan lebih bermakna dalam persekitaran sosio-budaya masing-masing.
Terapi Carakerja menggunakan pendekatan berpusatkan klien melalui aktiviti yang bertujuan dan bermakna, modifikasi peralatan dan persekitaran, adaptasi perlaksanaan pekerjaan, teknik terapeutik dan modaliti fizikal, pendidikan, dan konsultasi bagi mengekalkan, meningkatkan dan/atau mewujudkan kemahiran dan keupayaan individu tersebut supaya mereka dapat melaksanakan peranan secara optimum dan lebih bermakna dalam persekitaran sosio-budaya masing-masing.
Malaysian Occupational Therapy Association's definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational therapy is a rehabilitation and health care profession, which focuses on helping individuals of all ages to engage and perform activities of daily living, productivity, and leisure that have been affected by physical, psychological or social problems.
Occupational Therapy uses a client-centred approach through purposeful and meaningful activities, tools and environmental modifications, occupational adaptations, therapeutic techniques and physical modalities, education, and consultation in order to maintain, improve and/or establish individuals’ skill and ability to perform their role optimally and meaningfully in their social-cultural environment.
Occupational Therapy uses a client-centred approach through purposeful and meaningful activities, tools and environmental modifications, occupational adaptations, therapeutic techniques and physical modalities, education, and consultation in order to maintain, improve and/or establish individuals’ skill and ability to perform their role optimally and meaningfully in their social-cultural environment.
Definition date: April 2017
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Malaysia
7