Kuala lumpur: Budget 2027 should introduce targeted tax incentives and policy support to encourage private-sector investment in occupational safety, health, and mental well-being. Alliance for a Safe Community Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye emphasized that worker well-being should be treated as a core pillar of productivity and sustainability, particularly as the post-pandemic landscape had underscored the need for physically and psychologically resilient workplaces.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee stated that as Malaysia prepares for Budget 2027, it is imperative to prioritize the well-being of the workforce by empowering the private sector to embrace occupational safety, health, and mental wellness as core pillars of productivity and sustainability. He noted that Budget 2027 presents a timely opportunity to catalyse this transformation through targeted fiscal measures and policy support.
Lee proposed an Accelerated Capital Allowance for companies investing in ergonomic equipment, safety systems, and mental health infrastructure, including quiet rooms, wellness pods, and digital therapy platforms. He also suggested double tax deductions for certified occupational safety and health training, mental-health awareness campaigns, employee assistance programs, and the employment of qualified safety officers or workplace counselors.
Special tax relief should be considered for small and medium enterprises implementing basic occupational safety and health standards or mental-health support mechanisms, in recognition of their limited resources, Lee said. He added that companies offering annual health screenings, stress assessments, and burnout-prevention programs should also qualify for tax deductions.
Beyond fiscal incentives, Lee proposed matching grants for companies pursuing internationally recognized occupational safety and health certifications such as ISO 45001 or adopting recognized mental health frameworks. He suggested a National Occupational Safety and Health Innovation Fund to support research and development in safety technologies, wearable health monitors, and AI-driven risk assessments.
Lee also encouraged the development of public-private partnerships to produce training modules, toolkits, and digital platforms promoting mental-health literacy and hazard prevention. Employers could be encouraged to disclose occupational safety and health, as well as mental health indicators voluntarily, with incentives provided to top-performing companies.
He proposed establishing national awards for exemplary employers in occupational safety and health and mental wellness to encourage healthy competition and give greater visibility to good workplace practices. Lee concluded by stating that Budget 2027 must reflect a collective commitment to building humane, safe, and future-ready workplaces. By incentivising the private sector to lead in this space, lives are protected, leading to higher engagement, lower absenteeism, and stronger economic resilience.