The MoU aimed to enhance cooperation between both parties through resource sharing and complementary strengths, with a view to initiating, developing and promoting various programmes that contribute to improving the national OSH landscape. The collaboration covered the implementation of OSH-related training programmes, the provision of professional OSH consultancy services to businesses, as well as the sharing of expertise and practical experience in the field.
Under the agreement, both parties also jointly organised seminars, talks and related activities to further promote and raise awareness of occupational safety and health. These initiatives were intended to assist businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in better understanding and implementing OSH standards, thereby fostering safer, healthier and more sustainable working environments.
The MoU was signed by Dr Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, and Dato’ Haji Ayop Salleh, Executive Director of NIOSH. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Chong Chieng Jen, Chairman of NIOSH.
“To further support enterprises in enhancing professional capabilities and market competitiveness, the organisation had launched the OSHA Coordinator Training Programme, offering 3,000 free training slots for SMEs. The slots were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until fully taken up, and enterprises interested in strengthening their skills and expanding business opportunities were encouraged to seize the opportunity and register early,” said Chong Chieng Jen
“Occupational safety and health is not only vital to employee wellbeing, but also a key pillar of sustainable business development. Through the collaboration with NIOSH, SMEs will gain better access to professional guidance and structured training, enabling them to enhance their overall safety management standards and strengthen their competitiveness,” said Dr Chin Chee Seong.
“I am also deeply grateful for NIOSH strong support in providing such meaningful training benefits to the members of the SME Association of Malaysia,” he said.
“NIOSH has long been committed to promoting a strong occupational safety and health culture nationwide,” said Dato’ Haji Ayop Salleh. “The collaboration with the SME Association of Malaysia would help expand the reach of OSH services, allowing more businesses, particularly SMEs, to benefit from these initiatives,” he added.
The signing of the MoU underscored the strong commitment of government-linked institutions and industry organisations to work together in advancing occupational safety and health, laying a solid foundation for safer and more resilient workplaces nationwide.
Also present at the ceremony were Mohd Hussin Abd Salam, Manager of the Business and Marketing Division of NIOSH; Maj. Hj. Hanif Maidin, Executive Secretary of NIOSH; Adj. Practice Professor Cheah Kok Hoong, President of the ESG Association of Malaysia and Chairman of the ESG Bureau of the SME Association of Malaysia; and Koh Kok Soo, General Manager of the SME Association of Malaysia.
