If you run a business in Malaysia with 5 or more employees, there is a new legal deadline you might have missed.
On June 1, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022 came into full force. Hidden inside this amendment is Section 29A, a clause that specifically targets Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) regarding workplace safety.
Here is the reality check: If you ignore this, your company is liable for a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both.
But don’t panic. Complying is actually much easier (and cheaper) than you think. Here is the breakdown of what the law says and how to fix it immediately.
The “RM50k Problem”: Do You Need an OSH Coordinator?
Previously, strict safety officers were only required for high-risk industries like big construction sites or factories. That has changed.
Under the new Section 29A, you MUST appoint an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Coordinator if your company meets just two criteria:
- You employ 5 or more people (yes, even if it’s just an office, a retail shop, or a small warehouse).
- You do NOT legally require a Safety and Health Officer (SHO). (If you don’t have a “Green Book” officer, this rule applies to you).
The Trap: Many business owners think, “My office is safe, we don’t have heavy machinery, so I don’t need this.” The Truth: The law no longer cares about “risk level” for this specific requirement—it cares about headcount. If you have 5 staff and no Coordinator, you are non-compliant.
The Simple Solution: Train One Person
The government doesn’t expect you to hire a full-time, expensive Safety Officer. Instead, they created the OSH Coordinator role—a simplified, cost-effective alternative for SMEs.
You don’t need to hire new staff. You can simply select one existing employee (e.g., an Admin Exec, HR Assistant, or Supervisor) to be your designated Coordinator.
To make it legal, this person must:
- Attend a 3-Day Competency Course at a DOSH-registered training center.
- Register with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH/JKKP) using their certificate.
Once that is done, you are compliant. No RM50,000 fine. No headaches.
Why Choose Perintis OSH (PERINTOSH)?
There are many training centers out there, but not all training is created equal.
At Perintis OSH, we don’t just “read the textbook” to your staff. We are active safety consultants for Oil & Gas, Aviation, and Heavy Industry. We handle complex chemical monitoring and high-risk safety daily.
When you send your staff to us, they don’t just get a certificate—they get practical, high-level insights distilled into simple actions for your SME.
- DOSH Registered Training Provider (Your certificate is valid nationwide).
- HRD Corp Claimable (If you contribute to HRDF, this training is free for you).
- Real World Expertise (Learn from consultants who manage safety for Malaysia’s biggest conglomerates).
Your Action Plan
Don’t wait for a DOSH inspector to knock on your door.
- Identify a reliable staff member to be your Coordinator.
- Register them for our next 3-Day OSH Coordinator Competency Course.
- Relax knowing your business is safe from the Section 29A penalty.
Ready to secure your compliance? We run monthly intakes in the Klang Valley. Slots fill up fast due to the new enforcement.
Talk2US now. WhatsApp our team directly at 0137259122 or email info@perintosh.com
Download your OSH Coordinator pack here: OSHC2025.pdf
