Improving Life-Work Balance in Malaysia: Government’s Commitment to Healthier Workplaces
The Malaysian government is taking significant steps to ensure healthier, safer, and more humane workplaces for its citizens. Despite Malaysia’s low ranking in the Global Life-Work Balance Index, where it placed 59th out of 60 countries, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has outlined several initiatives aimed at improving workplace conditions and promoting better life-work balance.
Ratification of ILO Convention C155
A major milestone in this effort was the ratification of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention C155 on June 11. This convention focuses on occupational safety and health, and the working environment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to creating safer workplaces.
Amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act
In line with this, the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022 was enforced from June 1, extending its applicability from just 10 economic sectors to all economic sectors. This expansion ensures that more workers across various industries benefit from improved safety and health regulations.
Training for Occupational Mental Health
To further enhance workplace safety, the Ministry of Human Resources, in collaboration with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), aims to train over 10,000 Occupational Mental Health First Aid providers in both private companies and government departments this year. This initiative focuses on creating a balanced environment that considers mental health as a critical component of workplace safety.
Employment Act (Amendment) 2022
Additionally, the enforcement of the Employment Act (Amendment) 2022 from January 1 last year introduced provisions related to anti-discrimination and flexible working hours. These amendments are part of the broader efforts to ensure a healthier work environment and improve the overall atmosphere in Malaysian workplaces.
Addressing the Global Life-Work Balance Index Ranking
The Global Work and Life Balance Index, released by the global human resource services company Remote, recently ranked Malaysia 59th out of 60 countries with the highest Gross Domestic Product. This ranking highlights the urgent need for improvements in life-work balance in the country.
Minister Sim acknowledged the challenges highlighted by the index and reiterated the government’s dedication to making substantial changes. “Our goal is to ensure that Malaysians have a healthy, safe, and more humane workplace and working conditions,” he stated during a press conference at the launch of the Neurodiversity Inclusion Impact Programme.
Key Government Initiatives
- Ratification of ILO Convention C155: Demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to international standards in workplace safety and health.
- Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022: Expands coverage to all economic sectors, ensuring broader protection for workers.
- Occupational Mental Health First Aid Training: Targets training 10,000 providers to balance physical and mental health in workplaces.
- Employment Act (Amendment) 2022: Introduces anti-discrimination measures and flexible working hours to promote a healthier work environment.
Conclusion
The Malaysian government is actively addressing the concerns raised by the Global Life-Work Balance Index. Through legislative amendments, comprehensive training programs, and a strong commitment to international labor standards, the government aims to create a more balanced and healthier working environment for all Malaysians. These efforts are crucial not only for improving Malaysia’s ranking but also for ensuring the well-being and productivity of its workforce.
