PETALING JAYA: The private sector should be given tax incentives under Budget 2027 to encourage greater investment in workplace safety, health, and employees’ mental well-being, says the Alliance for a Safe Community.
Its chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic), said fiscal measures could encourage employers to make occupational safety and health (OSH) and mental wellness integral to their business priorities.
He proposed accelerated capital allowances for companies investing in ergonomic equipment, safety systems, and mental health facilities such as wellness rooms and digital therapy platforms.
“Budget 2027 presents a timely opportunity to catalyse this transformation through targeted fiscal measures and policy support,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Lee also proposed double tax deductions for certified OSH training, mental health awareness campaigns, employee assistance programmes, and the hiring of certified OSH officers or workplace counsellors.
He said SMEs should also be given special tax relief for implementing basic OSH standards and mental health support measures.
Other proposals include matching grants for companies adopting internationally-recognised OSH certifications, as well as a national OSH innovation fund to support research into safety technologies, wearable health monitors, and artificial intelligence-driven risk assessments.
“By incentivising the private sector to lead in this space, we not only protect lives, we can also unlock higher engagement, lower absenteeism, and stronger economic resilience,” he said.
Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled on Oct 9, making it the fifth Madani Budget and the second under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP, 2026-2030).
According to the Finance Ministry’s 2027 Pre-Budget Statement, the Budget will focus on 10 priority areas anchored on the three Madani economy pillars and the priorities of the 13MP, with the interests of the people remaining a key focus.
