The Malaysian Occupational Therapy Association (OT MALAYSIA) is a professional independent and nonprofit organisation. Interest in the formation of the association started in the late sixties which led to its inauguration on 20 March 1969 with members who were all trained overseas mostly from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and India. OT Malaysia became a full member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) in 1990 after the College of Occupational Therapists in Kuala Lumpur Hospital was accredited by WFOT and the Malaysian Public Services Department.

The association aims to promote the profession and it supports the development, use and practice of Occupational Therapy in Malaysia and the world. This is achieved through programs related to education and research, professional development and promotion, publication, membership drive and quality and standard. All members are obliged to base their professional conduct on the Code of Ethic and professional conduct which was adopted in January 1995. OT MALAYSIA has more than 1000 members. Eighty percents work in government hospital and the rest in privately owned agencies, NGOs and owned practice. They work with clients who need acute and long term care in general hospitals, psychiatric institutions, geriatrics hospitals, and private clinics in the areas of physical dysfunction, psychiatric disorders, pediatrics, community based rehabilitation, home care, geriatric care and occupational health and safety.

Occupational Therapy concerns with Activities of Daily Living, Productivity and Leisure. Individual should have a balance among the three. ADL for instance, personal hygiene, eating, functional mobility, communication, walking, stair climbing, dressing, medication routine and sexual expression. Productivity activities, including work for pay, housework, and educational activities. Leisure activities, which can include socializing, exercising, relaxing, participating in a sport, working on a craft such as painting or needlework, or anything that provides the individual with opportunities for enjoyment, relaxation, recreation, personal growth, and goal achievement.