Kuala lumpur: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has called for enhanced safety measures in water transport and related activities, particularly in the tourism sector, in line with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, NIOSH emphasized the need for tourism boat operators and handlers to comply with existing laws and safety standards. This includes adhering to technical requirements under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 as well as tourism safety guidelines issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
NIOSH highlighted recent incidents, such as the capsizing tragedy in Pulau Perhentian on June 28, which resulted in both fatalities and injuries. These incidents underscore the importance of following safety procedures to protect passengers, workers, and tourism operators alike.
The agency expressed its commitment to assist relevant parties in adhering to laws and regulations through safety training, compliance audits, and the strengthening of risk management systems. NIOSH also pointed out the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022, which mandates employers with five or more workers to appoint an occupational safety and health coordinator.
NIOSH offers the OSH Coordinator course and various programmes to support operators in meeting legal requirements, including basic OSH and first aid training, which also encompass water rescue skills. Additionally, NIOSH provides an internationally recognised management system known as the ‘Adventure Tourism Safety Management Systems’ or MS ISO 21101:2022, designed to help operators identify risks and plan safety controls.
The agency stressed the importance of conducting regular safety audits and evaluations to ensure compliance with standards and regulations while maintaining valid licenses. Furthermore, NIOSH recommended safety orientation sessions for tourists, which include the proper use of life jackets and emergency procedures, to ensure the highest level of safety in water-based activities.