MSCP Townhall 2025: Highlights & Key Takeaways

The Attendees of MSCP Townhall 2025

The Attendees of MSCP Townhall 2025

A sincere thank you to all MSCP members who joined our recent virtual townhall themed “Regulating Clinical Psychology under Act 774.” Your voices, questions, and engagement are vital in shaping the way forward for the clinical psychology profession in Malaysia, fostering open dialogue, addressing critical concerns, and highlighting our commitment to supporting members.

For clinical psychologists in Malaysia, registration under the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council (MAHPC) is mandatory under the Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (Act 774). For those interested in understanding more about Act 774 and the importance of this registration, you can find further details here.

Navigating The Registration of MAHPC

The MSCP host immediately addressed the registration and licensing process, the most recent concern for all practicing clinical psychologists in Malaysia. We emphasized the importance of proper registration for clinical psychologists and clarified that registration alone does not equate to being licensed, as licensing typically requires passing a licensing test (which is not currently in place).

A significant point of discussion revolved around technical difficulties with the Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) or Practicing Certificate (PC) on the MHPS registration platform. The committee acknowledged these ongoing issues and assured attendees that the problem would be escalated to the relevant department for prompt resolution. We are pleased to confirm the platform issue has since been resolved; however, if you still encounter difficulties, please email mahpcdaftar@moh.gov.my. Participants were also guided to official resources, including the Ministry of Health’s Malaysian Healthcare Practitioners System (MHPS), CPD portal, and relevant legislation (Akta 774).

Spotlight on MSCP Members' Concerns

Mr. Jayson Lew, Member of MSCP (CP5-0072), brought a crucial concern into the spotlight: the re-entry to clinical practice for academics. He raised a key question about the process for clinical psychologists who have been in academia and wish to return to clinical work, specifically regarding documentation of recent clinical experience, proof of clinical competency (CPD hours, workshops), and the need for refresher supervision or temporary placement. He also reiterated the technical difficulties to APC/PC registration faced by numerous clinical psychologists, further emphasizing the urgency of a solution. Furthermore, Mr. Lew expressed strong support for plans to enhance international collaboration within the clinical psychology community, fostering global connections for the profession.

Dr. Selina Ding, Member of MSCP (CP1-0366), also contributed significantly, informing the attendees that Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) can join the Collaborative Practice Group under the Bar Council, and shared her own involvement as a member. Dr. Ding also raised a practical issue relevant to many: the process for recovering their original MSCP registration number after a lapse in membership renewal, a concern relevant to many fellow clinical psychologists.

Conclusion

This article captured the main themes and concerns addressed by each speaker, focusing on regulatory processes, professional development, technical challenges, and community support—key issues for clinical psychologists in Malaysia. Your input makes a difference. Let’s continue building a profession rooted in integrity, clarity, and collective progress.

📣 Stay tuned for more updates from MSCP, because change happens when we speak, listen, and move together.