Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Human Resources will provide free accreditation training for 10,000 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) coordinators from the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong explained that the initiative, through the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), involves an allocation of approximately RM9 million.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this is a mandatory requirement under the latest amendment to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, enforced last year, specifically Section 29A. Every company is required to have at least one OSH coordinator. The training programme is set to commence in February, and registration is open next week through NIOSH via phone, online, or at its offices. This initiative addresses concerns from SMEs about the potential costs of training, which can be around RM1,000 per participant depending on the course provider.
In addition to this initiative, Sim also launched the NIOSH Financial Institution Safety Passport (NFISP), which aims to enhance workplace safety and health standards in the financial and banking sector. Although participation in the NFISP is voluntary, incentives are provided to encourage broader industry involvement. NIOSH currently offers 25 safety passport programmes across various sectors, underscoring its commitment to workplace safety.
Sim also highlighted the success of the Occupational Mental Health First Aider training course, which had over 11,000 participants last year, surpassing the initial target. Conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health, this programme equips individuals to provide immediate support and intervention for colleagues facing mental health challenges at work. The initiative has gained international recognition, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical health in workplace safety.
Furthermore, Sim addressed the upcoming minimum wage increase from RM1,500 to RM1,700 per month, effective February 1. He advised employers not to use the new minimum wage as a baseline salary for all employees, including graduates. Highlighting statistics, he noted that approximately 4.3 million workers in Malaysia earn less than RM1,700 a month, with 80 percent being local workers.