YPNM Wilayah Sarawak knowledge sharing with PSMB & OSH, Kuching by HRD Corp

28th February 2024 – Yayasan Pengguna Negara Malaysia (YPNM), Cawangan Kuching had the privilege to co-organising the seminar on “Insights into The PSMB Act 2001 & OSH Act 2022” in collaboration with Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp). The main objectives of this seminar are to reach out to as many potential employers who are based in Sarawak to create and enhance their awareness of the Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) Act 2001 & Occupation Safety & Health (OSH) Act 2022 and its scope of coverage, in them becoming HRD Corp & DOSH registered employer, in supporting our Ministry of Human Resource agenda.

This PSMB Act 2001 was presented by Mr. Bruce Jackson Joe (Vice President of HRD Corp Sarawak). According to Mr. Bruce, the PSMB Act, 2001 is to provide for the imposition and collection of a human resources development levy to promote the training and development of employees, apprentices and trainees, the establishment and the administration of the Fund by the Corporation and for matters connected therewith. For employers with more than 10 Malaysian employees, it is COMPULSORY to register for HRD Corp with a 1% levy of the monthly wages (including fixed allowance and basic salary) for each Malaysian employee. Employers with 5 to 9 Malaysian employees are not forced to register for HRD Corp contribution but have the option to. Any employer who has not registered with HRD Corp could be fined up to RM10,000.00 or face imprisonment of up to a year.

Mr. Jimmy Ling (林以群) Chairman of YPNM Kuching, stated that the 2022 New Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Act mandates employers to designate an employee as an occupational safety and health coordinator in workplaces specified in the Gazette. The Act imposes a penalty, with fines up to RM50,000, imprisonment for a maximum of six months, or both, for failure to appoint an OSH Coordinator or Safety and Health Officer, as required.

The main goal of safety and health programs (including coordinator) is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths, as well as the suffering and financial hardship these events can cause for workers, their families, and employers.

Ensuring a Secure and Healthy work environment is a fundamental Consumer Right in Malaysia. Consequently, YPNM is committed to conducting seminars and OSH Coordinator Training & Certification programs across Sarawak. The aim is to enhance awareness among all employers in Sarawak, ultimately safeguarding consumers. YPNM is presently partnering with a DOSH-certified
trainer provider to conduct the OSH-C course, and the entire program is eligible for claims under the HRDC claimable scheme.