LABUAN — Employers in Labuan’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been urged to strengthen workplace safety management to prevent accidents and protect workers, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) said.
DOSH Labuan director Ts. Ahmad Syuhairi Abdullah said the department was committed to acting as a strategic partner to employers by providing guidance and assistance to ensure workplaces were free from accident risks.
He said many MSMEs nationwide faced significant constraints, particularly in financial resources, human capital and technical expertise, which affected their ability to implement comprehensive occupational safety and health (OSH) management systems.
“These constraints often result in OSH management being implemented at a minimal level or merely to meet basic requirements,” he said.
“This situation cannot be allowed to continue because unsafe workplaces endanger workers’ lives, which are a company’s most valuable asset, and can damage business reputations if accidents occur.”
He was speaking at the opening of the 2026 Occupational Safety and Health Coordinator Training for Employers and Employees of MSMEs in Labuan, held today at the Eureka Room, Menara Building, Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL).
The three-day programme was organised by DOSH Labuan’s Small and Medium Industries Section in collaboration with UMSKAL.
Ahmad Syuhairi said the training was offered free of charge to selected MSMEs as part of the government’s support to ease employers’ financial burden in complying with OSH legislation while building sustainable in-house safety management capabilities.
He said Section 29A of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 required employers to appoint a competent employee as an occupational safety and health coordinator.
The appointment is intended to ensure workplace safety management is carried out systematically, monitored continuously and coordinated effectively.
A total of 32 participants attended the 21-hour training programme, which equipped them with the knowledge and practical skills to identify risks at an early stage and progressively strengthen OSH compliance in their workplaces.
Ahmad Syuhairi urged participating companies to formalise the appointment of OSH coordinators and promote a culture of workplace safety with integrity.
Also present were UMSKAL director Prof Dr Shamsul Bahari Shamsudin, DOSH Labuan deputy director Muhd Noor Azmil Mohamad Fishol, Small and Medium Industries Section head Wan Mohd Nainunis Wan Md Zain, and KSAFE Sdn Bhd trainer Mohd Rashidi Kimin.
