Make workplace safety and mental health a Budget 2027 priority
LETTERS: As Malaysia prepares for Budget 2027, it is imperative that we prioritise the well-being of our workforce by empowering the private sector to embrace occupational safety, health, and mental wellness as core pillars of productivity and sustainability.
Malaysia's impending Budget 2027 must prioritize workplace safety and mental health to ensure resilient, productive, and sustainable businesses. The post-pandemic era has highlighted the urgent need for workplaces that safeguard physical and psychological well-being. To drive this transformation, the government should consider implementing targeted fiscal measures and policy support.
Proposed tax incentives could encourage companies to invest in ergonomic equipment, safety systems, and mental health infrastructure. Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) could be offered for firms investing in these areas, while a Double Tax Deduction could be provided for expenses related to OSH training, mental health awareness campaigns, employee assistance programs, and hiring certified OSH officers or workplace counsellors.
SMEs should also be recognized with special relief for implementing basic OSH standards or mental health support. Additional tax deductions could be given for preventive health screenings, stress assessments, and burnout prevention programs.
Beyond tax incentives, complementary initiatives such as matching grants for companies adopting OSH certifications or mental health frameworks, a National OSH Innovation Fund for R&D in safety technologies, and Public-Private Partnerships could further embed a culture of safety and wellness in Malaysian workplaces. Establishing mandatory reporting and benchmarking, as well as recognition programs, could foster healthy competition and visibility for exemplary employers in these fields.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
