Malaysia deepens workplace safety reforms in line with ILO standards

Malaysia is stepping up efforts to strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) governance, as it moves to align national frameworks with key conventions of the International Labour Organisation.

Government officials, employers, workers, and industry representatives convened in Kuala Lumpur for a high-level workshop aimed at advancing the country’s OSH systems. The programme, organised by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia with technical support from the ILO, focused on improving coordination, policy alignment, and stakeholder engagement.

The discussions come as Malaysia builds on its ratification of the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) in 2024, following its earlier adoption of the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) in 2012. The frameworks are seen as central to reinforcing national workplace safety standards and embedding a culture of prevention.

Participants explored practical pathways to strengthen institutional coordination, review existing policies, and enhance tripartite dialogue among government, employers, and workers. The meeting also contributed to shaping Malaysia’s forthcoming National OSH Policy and the OSH Master Plan 2026–2030.

Calling the workshop a “significant milestone,” Mohd Shaharin bin Umar, Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and International), said the initiative reflects Malaysia’s continued commitment to aligning occupational safety governance with both international labour standards and national development priorities.

Industry voices also played a key role in the dialogue. Representatives from SMEs, OSH professionals, and organisations including the Master Builders Association Malaysia and Petronas shared insights on implementation challenges and best practices.

Emphasising the importance of collective action, Ahmad Jailani bin Mansor, DOSH Deputy Director General (Health), noted that “success in occupational safety and health cannot be achieved by a single party alone.”

From the ILO, Yuka Ujita highlighted the progress Malaysia has already made, adding that the workshop offered an opportunity to deepen cooperation and accelerate implementation of the ratified conventions in support of broader development goals.

The programme concluded with participants endorsing the proposed OSH Master Plan 2026–2030, signalling a unified commitment to advancing safer and healthier workplaces across Malaysia.