New Occupational Safety and Health Act takes effect in Malaysia

The Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022 will be implemented nationwide on 1 June 2023, according to Steven Sim, Minister of Human Resources of Malaysia. The amendment aims to elevate safety and health standards across workplaces nationwide.

Sim emphasised the importance of expediting the implementation and enforcement of the Act, which had faced delays for nearly two years. “Within 100 days (at the helm of the ministry), I have signed the gazette for the new amendments to take effect,” he said.

The Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022, which was passed by parliament on 16 March 2022, mandates employers conduct risk analyses in the workplace and appoint a health safety coordinator. Sim highlighted that organisations with five or more employees must designate a coordinator, a measure eagerly anticipated by the occupational health and safety practitioner sector.

“Coordinators are a new thing and with the presence of these trained people, we hope the workplace environment will be safer,” he added.

READ MORE: Malaysia unveils mental first aid programme for workplace wellbeing

In addition to structural enhancements, the ministry has also prioritised mental health awareness among employees. Sim revealed plans to train 13,000 employees in the Occupational Mental Health First Aid programme across the country this year. Since its launch in February, the programme has already trained 4,000 employees, reported Bernama.

“We hope that this effort will strengthen occupational safety and health practices in the workplace…mental health issues are also our focus at the ministry,” he concluded.