BANGI: The Human Resources Ministry, through the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh), will offer free basic occupational safety and health (OSH) courses to 10,000 individuals in the tourism sector, involving an allocation of RM2.65mil, said its minister, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
He said the programme, known as the Safety Induction for Tourism Industry (Siti), is designed to equip tourism industry workers with essential knowledge to prevent workplace incidents, manage risks and comply with the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022.
"The target groups include tour guides, tour operators, workers or contractors, employees and accommodation providers.
"These groups will be invited by Niosh to participate so that they can carry out their duties in accordance with OSH requirements. This initiative also supports the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign,” he said at a press conference after his official visit to the Niosh headquarters here.
Also present was Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.
He added that online applications for the programme will open on Jan 25 via www.niosh.com.my.
According to Ramanan, the Siti programme has a duration of seven hours and will be conducted either online or in person at Niosh facilities nationwide.
"Participants who complete the course will receive a digital safety passport valid for two years. Similar to safety passports issued by Niosh for other industries, Siti passport holders will also be covered by insurance both domestically and internationally,” he said.
Meanwhile, Niosh executive director Datuk Ayop Salleh said the Siti programme focuses on five main components, including incident prevention, OSH laws and regulations, safety practices in tourism, and risk control.
"The tourism sector has its own specific hazards that need to be addressed with systematic training, covering various aspects such as transportation, accommodation and food preparation,” he said. - Bernama
