PUTRAJAYA: Investing in occupational safety and health is not a cost but a strategic investment that strengthens innovation, resilience and long-term economic growth, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Speaking at the Malaysian Industrial Safety & Health Association (MiSHA) Awards Ceremony held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on Friday (Jan 23), the Health Minister said a healthy workforce remained the “engine of a robust economy”.
“When we invest in safety, we are not incurring a cost.
“We are indeed securing a strategic asset that drives innovation and resilience,” he said, adding that protecting workers was also a moral imperative, as well as a legal and environmental, social and governance (ESG) duty.
“In today’s global landscape, our commitment to ESG principles is non-negotiable.
“Protecting our workers is a direct reflection of our integrity and our responsibility towards sustainable development,” he added.
At the ceremony, Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng received the MiSHA Anugerah Pena Emas 2025 in recognition of responsible and impactful reporting on occupational safety and health by the group’s media platforms.
Dzulkefly stressed that occupational safety and health (OSH) should no longer be seen as a peripheral issue, but one that is central to the nation’s well-being and productivity.
“For every worker who leaves home, we must be reminded that each and every one deserves to return home safely and protected from diseases, including those acquired at the workplace,” he said.
He said OSH extends beyond preventing physical accidents at construction sites and also encompasses the prevention of long-term health issues such as respiratory illnesses, chemical exposure and psychosocial hazards.
“A safe workplace equals better productivity and competitiveness,” he said.
Dzulkefly also highlighted the strong strategic collaboration between the Health Ministry and MiSHA, describing MiSHA as an instrumental partner in advancing Malaysia’s lung health initiatives.
“Workplace exposures and environmental pollution are critical risk factors for lung diseases.
“Therefore, safeguarding our environment is not just an ecological duty, but a public health imperative,” he said.
He congratulated MiSHA for elevating the awards to the Asean level this year, with participation from countries including Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, India, the Philippines and Indonesia, saying the platform strengthened regional cooperation through the sharing of best practices.
Dzulkefly said the event was not merely about celebrating trophies or accolades, but a testament to the collective commitment of the government, industry players and professional bodies in advancing a sustainable culture of OSH.
“To the award recipients, your achievements tonight epitomise trust, responsibility and leadership.
“Let us build a future of work that is safer, healthier and more productive, for the well-being of all workers and for a resilient Malaysia,” he added.
