KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has allocated RM12 million to provide free training for 10,000 workers through the Occupational Mental Health First Aid programme this year.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said this programme, introduced for the first time in Malaysia, with support from the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health, aims to train individuals with the ability to provide early intervention, particularly in the workplace, for colleagues facing mental health issues.
The move is also one of the ministry’s efforts to improve the protection of workers’ safety and health, not only physically but also mentally.
“It is also about removing the stigma of society and the workplace concerning mental health problems. With this programme, we want to convey the message that it is okay to seek help, and I believe if we create a working environment that addresses the mental health of employees, then productivity will also improve positively.
“I hope not only civil servants but also the private sector and SMEs (small and medium enterprises) can take this opportunity for free training to create a conducive working environment.
“Besides, they (private sector and SMEs) can apply for levies from the HRD Corp after completing this three-day training,” he said.
Sim was speaking at the opening of the 24th Conference and Exhibition on Occupational Safety and Health and the 6th Scientific Conference on Occupational Safety and Health, themed ‘The Future of Work’, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
NIOSH has previously introduced several initiatives, including the Worker Assistance programme, aimed at identifying and addressing workers’ mental health issues early on to prevent a decline in performance.
— Bernama
