Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia will host the ASEAN Safety and Health Workers Summit 2025 from August 4 to 5 this year, announced Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong. The event aligns with Malaysia's role as the ASEAN chair this year and will be organized by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his vision for Malaysia as ASEAN chair, aiming for excellence across various fields. The initiative by NIOSH and the Ministry of Human Resources to elevate their annual convention to an ASEAN level has been congratulated by Sim. The summit, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability for a Resilient Workforce,' is set to provide a platform for sharing best practices, exchanging ideas, and fostering regional cooperation. It will also offer networking opportunities to strengthen partnerships among participants.
NIOSH chairman Chong Chieng Jen highlighted the proactive approach needed to address emerging occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges during Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship. The summit will incorporate key programs, including the NIOSHCert International Standards Seminar 2025 (NISS2025), the Asian Occupational Safety and Health Research Institutes (AOSHRI) Meeting, the Malaysia Research Initiative for National Agenda (MaRINA) 3.0 Workshop, and the ASEAN++ Workshop and Study Visit, welcoming participants from ASEAN member countries.
Chong noted that OSH challenges now extend beyond traditional physical hazards to include chemical, biological, and economic risks, as well as psychosocial issues like stress and depression in evolving work environments. Malaysia officially took on the ASEAN chairmanship on January 1, adopting the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' which reflects its dedication to fostering a united and prosperous region.
Sim emphasized that workplace safety and health are moral responsibilities that surpass legal compliance. The government's commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment is evident in the increased penalties for OSH non-compliance, which rose from RM50,000 to RM500,000 following amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 2022. Sim stated that the objective is not punitive but rather to ensure that everyone can return home safely and healthily after each workday. The government will offer consultation services and guidance to help companies meet the latest amendments' requirements.
Sim concluded by stressing that these initiatives are not merely policy-driven but are about respecting workers' dignity, ensuring they can work safely and return home in good health.