For many SMEs, compliance often feels like an added burden. But what if staying compliant came with zero cost and structured support? That is exactly what Malaysia’s National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is now offering.
In a timely move, NIOSH has announced 3,000 free training spots for the Occupational Safety and Health Coordinator (OSH-C) course, an initiative valued at RM2.6 million, aimed at helping SMEs meet new legal requirements while strengthening workplace safety practices.
NIOSH Supports SMEs as New Law Takes Effect
The NIOSH initiative comes in response to the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022, which came into force on 1 June 2024.
Under the updated law, businesses are now required to take a more structured approach to workplace safety.
“Section 29A of the Act requires employers with five or more employees to appoint an OSH-C to coordinate workplace safety matters,” said NIOSH Chairman Chong Chieng Jen.
This means that any company with five or more employees must appoint a certified Occupational Safety and Health Coordinator.
Failure to comply carries serious consequences.
“Failure to meet this requirement is an offence punishable by a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both,” he added.
Chong also noted that penalties for certain offences under the amended Act have been significantly increased, reaching up to RM500,000, further underscoring the importance of compliance.
A Proactive Approach to Support SMEs
Recognising the financial challenges faced by SMEs, Chong emphasised that the initiative is designed to ease the burden.
“NIOSH understands the challenges faced by SMEs, particularly in terms of financial constraints. Therefore, this free course is introduced as a proactive step to help them comply with the law without feeling burdened,” he said in a statement.
He added that the initiative aligns with broader national goals.
“This initiative aligns with the MADANI Government’s aspiration to strengthen occupational safety and health practices, while helping SMEs comply with the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022, which came into force on 1 June 2024,” he said.
More Than Training
Beyond training, NIOSH is also offering free consultation services to support SMEs in improving workplace safety.
“In addition to training, NIOSH also provides free consultation services, including the Workplace Improvement Need Analysis (WINA) programme, to help employers implement workplace safety improvements,” Chong said.
The WINA programme enables businesses to identify risks, assess gaps, and implement structured improvements, moving beyond compliance into continuous safety enhancement.
NIOSH Partners SME Malaysia to Expand Reach
To ensure wider impact, NIOSH has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SME Association of Malaysia (SME Malaysia).
“The MoU marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration between NIOSH and SME Malaysia to expand the reach of awareness programmes, training, and occupational safety and health support to the SME community in a more structured and effective manner,” Chong said.
This collaboration allows NIOSH to reach more SMEs nationwide, especially those that may not yet be aware of compliance requirements.
Chong also highlighted that this initiative builds on earlier efforts by NIOSH.
“NIOSH had previously provided 10,000 free training spots under the OSH-C MADANI initiative, while SMEs contributed significantly to the economy with GDP growth of 5.8 percent in 2024,” he said.
A Clear Opportunity Through NIOSH
With stricter regulations now in place, compliance is no longer optional.
However, through NIOSH’s 3,000 free training slots, consultation services, and structured support, SMEs now have a practical pathway to comply without additional financial strain.
Source: here
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