KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — Deputy Minister of Human Resources R. Ramanan yesterday called for stronger national commitment to safeguarding not only the physical safety but also the mental well-being of workers, as he officiated the National-Level Celebration of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026.
The event was organised by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health in collaboration with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health and the Social Security Organisation.
Ramanan said this year’s theme, “Together for a Healthy Psychosocial Work Environment,” must be treated as a call to action rather than a slogan, reflecting the evolving realities and challenges of the modern workplace.
“Mental and emotional well-being can no longer be sidelined. It must be elevated as a national priority,” he said, noting that workplace safety today extends beyond physical protection.
He added that while the annual celebration is part of a global initiative to raise awareness on occupational safety and health (OSH), it carries deeper significance for Malaysia as a continuous commitment to ensuring workers are safe, healthy, and supported holistically.
As a member of the International Labour Organization, Malaysia has consistently observed the occasion since 2003, with its commitment further strengthened through the ratification of ILO Convention No. 187 in 2012.
Ramanan highlighted that the Ministry of Human Resources, through the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, continues to reinforce legal frameworks under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, which emphasises the importance of work environments that address both physiological and psychological needs.
He also pointed to the implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2026–2030 (OSHMP30), which begins this year, as a catalyst for a more holistic and resilient approach aligned with the nation’s aspiration to build a productive and well-rounded workforce.
“We can no longer view workplace safety and health through an outdated lens. The future of work demands that we act more proactively, inclusively, and courageously in protecting every worker—because behind every worker is a family that depends on them,” he said.
During the same event, Ramanan witnessed the handover of job offer letters through PERKESO’s MYFutureJobs platform, connecting employers with successful job seekers.
“This initiative demonstrates that strengthening the labour market is not merely policy on paper, but real action that creates employment opportunities and enhances the employability of Malaysians,” he added.
— Minutes MY
— Credit: FB Ramanan
