Zaqy Mohamad on improving workplace safety

Employers and workers should remain alert at the workplace ahead of the Chinese New Year period, which is typically a time when companies face time pressures to complete projects. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will continue with its enhanced enforcement efforts during this period. Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad, who made this call in reply to MPs’ questions in Parliament on Tuesday (Jan 7), said they should not compromise on safety. Mr Zaqy also highlighted the tighter enforcement efforts for the construction sector. He said MOM will monitor the progress of the measures implemented to further improve safety and accountability. Mr Zaqy said of the 14 construction sites where fatalities occurred in the second half of 2024, nine were issued with stop-work orders as their safety management systems were found to be inadequate, posing imminent danger to their workers. These worksites were required to undertake measures, such as reviewing their safety management systems, before they could resume work. None of the 14 worksites had previously been issued with stop-work orders, he said.