Klang: The Malaysian Society for Occupational Safety and Health (MSOSH) has urged the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) to review the need for periodic workplace inspections following the death of a foreign worker in a boiler fire at an iron processing plant in Klang last Friday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MSOSH president Datuk Wira Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar Ismail emphasized that regular inspections are a crucial check-and-balance mechanism. These inspections enable employers to identify and rectify safety shortcomings before workplace accidents occur. He stated, "Profits can be regained. Reputations can be restored. But the lives of workers lost cannot be brought back. Safety is not a cost, but an investment that determines the sustainability of a business," in a statement today.

Ahmad Fakhrul conveyed his condolences to the victim's family, describing the tragedy as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting occupational safety, which can threaten a company's operations and long-term viability. MSOSH expressed concern over the removal of mandatory workplace inspections under the Factories and Machinery Act 1967, noting that many industries are not prepared to rely solely on self-regulation, despite it being recognized as an international best practice.

"Recent industrial accident trends show that many organizations continue to fail in complying with their own safety procedures. Procedures exist but are not followed, audits are conducted without effective follow-up, and risks are identified but left unmanaged until tragedy strikes," Ahmad Fakhrul remarked.

He highlighted that more than 90 percent of businesses in Malaysia are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In a challenging economic environment, many employers prioritize business continuity over workplace safety. Ahmad Fakhrul noted, "In reality, workplace accidents are among the costliest business setbacks. They can disrupt operations, damage machinery, delay deliveries, increase insurance premiums, trigger enforcement action, and undermine both a company's reputation and customer confidence."

He stressed that the financial losses from workplace accidents far exceed the costs of investing in employee training, regular equipment maintenance, and compliance with occupational safety procedures.