In a landmark move to bolster occupational safety, Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has unveiled an ambitious plan to train 10,000 workers in basic emergency aid skills, particularly in high-risk sectors such as manufacturing and heavy industries.

The initiative, announced by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim on 12 June 2025 during an official visit to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) headquarters in Geneva, aims to significantly reduce accidental fatalities and disabilities in the workplace through early intervention and structured emergency response training.

“This collaboration is not just a training exercise; it is an effort to empower Malaysians to save lives. We want to send a clear message: safety in the workplace is not an option; it is a priority,” said Minister Sim.

The large-scale training programme will be executed in collaboration with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (PBSMM) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC). Implementation will be led by HRD Corp and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

The initiative is designed to:

• Equip employees with basic first aid and emergency response skills
  
  

• Promote a culture of safety in both public and private sector organisations
  
  

• Ensure stronger compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514)
  
  

The ministry’s goal is to embed emergency preparedness into the DNA of Malaysia’s workforce, especially in high-risk sectors like oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and logistics.

Minister Sim stressed that this effort is not a reactive measure, but a proactive shift in workplace mindset. Training 10,000 workers with first aid and emergency response capabilities aims to make timely assistance available on-site, reducing reliance on external emergency services and preventing avoidable fatalities.

“Timely action during an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. Empowering workers with the right skills will have a ripple effect, saving lives and preventing long-term disability,” he noted.

By integrating aid training into professional development in high-risk environments, the initiative also hopes to minimise downtime caused by accidents and ensure a safer and more resilient industrial workforce.

The programme is designed to support compliance with Act 514, Malaysia’s comprehensive workplace safety legislation. While the Act mandates safety standards and risk management frameworks, the ministry believes that practical emergency preparedness is a critical component that has long been under-emphasised.

By aligning the new training programme with Act 514, KESUMA aims to strengthen enforcement and encourage employers to take responsibility for upskilling their workforce in basic life-saving skills.

The involvement of international partners such as the IFRC adds significant weight to the programme, ensuring that global best practices in emergency response and first aid are integrated into the Malaysian context.

The IFRC’s extensive experience in disaster response and community-based health initiatives will guide the curriculum, while PBSMM will serve as the on-ground partner for nationwide training delivery.

“Our collaboration with IFRC and PBSMM ensures that the training will not only meet international standards but also reflect local workplace realities,” said Sim.