Representatives of government, employers and workers have met in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) governance in Malaysia and to align national policies in line with key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
Organized by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia with ILO technical support, the workshop brought together DOSH officers, representatives of government, employers and workers, and industry partners.
Discussions focused on how Malaysia can move forward after ratifying the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) in 2024, building on its earlier ratification of the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) in 2012. Participants looked at ways to strengthen coordination, review policies and enhance dialogue among key stakeholders.
The meeting also contributed to broader efforts to promote a stronger culture of prevention and cooperation, while informing the development of the National OSH Policy and the upcoming OSH Master Plan 2026-2030.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and International) Dr Hj Mohd Shaharin bin Umar described the workshop as, "an important milestone in Malaysia's ongoing efforts to strengthen occupational safety and health governance in line with international labour standards and national development priorities."
The workshop featured a sharing of experiences and perspectives, including from SMEs, industry associations such as Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM), OSH professionals and companies including Petronas.
DOSH Deputy Director General (Health) Ir. Ahmad Jailani bin Mansor highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that "success in occupational safety and health cannot be achieved by a single party alone."
Dr Yuka Ujita, Senior Occupational Safety and Health Specialist at the ILO, pointed to the progress already made and emphasized that the workshop provided an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation in applying the ratified conventions in support of Malaysia's development goals.
The programme concluded with an endorsement expressing support for the OSH Master Plan 2026-2030.
The workshop was supported by the ILO project EXPAND - Expanding Action on Forced Labour and Child Labour to Advance Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in Malaysia, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada. This project introduces entry points to strengthen other fundamental principles and rights at work, including occupational safety and health on efforts to reinforce enabling policy and legislation in line with international labour standards.
