Malaysia ratifies the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155)

© Violaine Martin / ILO

GENEVA (ILO News) – On 11 June 2024, Mr Steven Sim, Minister of Human Resources of Malaysia, presented the instrument of ratification of the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) to the ILO Director-General, Mr. Gilbert Houngbo. 

In depositing the instruments of ratification, the Minister indicated: “This ratification is a testament to our utmost commitment in advancing the protection of workers as part of the government's continued effort to strengthen occupational safety and health. Concurrently, this commitment will further elevate the country's labour standards especially in the aspect of occupational safety and health, which are intrinsic global human rights. This endeavour will further complement the enactment of policies, legislation and programmes pertaining to occupational safety and health in the country, following the 2022 amendment to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994. Malaysia's strides in occupational safety and health are in alignment with the International Labour Conference’s resolution in 2022 to recognize a safe and healthy working environment as the fifth fundamental principle and right at work. Malaysia looks forward to continuing and strengthening our ongoing collaborations with the ILO, particularly to advance social justice and decent work for all in line with the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030.” 

When receiving the instrument of ratification, Mr. Houngbo, declared: “The central importance of occupational safety and health was confirmed in 2022, when the right to a safe and healthy working environment was included among the fundamental principles and rights at work. I sincerely welcome the ratification of Convention No. 155 by Malaysia, demonstrating its commitment to this fundamental principle and right. Convention No. 155 is one of the fundamental ILO instruments on occupational safety and health and sets out the basic principles and methodology required for sustained improvements in the management of occupational safety and health. It provides for the adoption of a coherent national occupational safety and health policy, as well as action to be taken by governments and within enterprises to promote occupational safety and health and to improve working conditions.”

For further information, see NORMLEX .