The idea to form the Social Welfare Council was first conceived in 1952 and 2 years later in 1954 the Council was established under the Chairmanship of the Commissioner of Labour and Welfare to assist voluntary welfare work. Then in 1965, two years after the formation of Malaysia, the Sabah Council of Social Welfare, together with the Sarawak Social Welfare Council and The Malayan Social Welfare Council became the constituent partners of The National Council of Social Welfare, Malaysia.