KUALA LUMPUR: Workplace stress and mental well-being must be given greater attention, as employees continue to face work-related pressure beyond office hours, says Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
Speaking at Sunday’s (May 3) workplace health and safety celebration, Ramanan stressed the importance of fostering a healthy psychosocial work environment amid evolving workplace challenges.
“I know this because even after we return home, we still receive messages from our bosses,” he said.
“When I get home, even at 1 or 2 in the morning, I still receive work-related messages,” he added.
He also suggested, in jest, that workers be given an extra day off in recognition of their recent commitments, noting that many had worked hard over the past few days.
Ramanan said this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work theme, which focuses on ensuring a healthy psychosocial environment, is especially relevant to today’s workforce.
“Employers have been briefed on this, and it has become one of the key guidelines issued by the ministry through the relevant agencies,” he said.
Ramanan added that gig workers are also covered under the ministry’s workplace well-being and safety efforts, although laws governing gig work are still relatively new.
“Gig workers are certainly included, as they fall within the ministry’s scope together with the relevant agencies,” he said.
He said investigations would be conducted upon receipt of reports or complaints involving workplace issues.
On broader labour reforms, Ramanan said the government is proceeding with efforts to formalise protections for gig workers through legislation.
He said the Cabinet has already approved the framework, and the proposed Bill will be tabled in Parliament this year.
“We want it to cover both platform and non-platform workers so that it can form a proper ecosystem,” he said.
Ramanan also confirmed that amendments to the Social Security Act for Malaysian workers abroad will be implemented this year.
“This year, it will be implemented because we cannot ignore the safety and health of our workers,” he said.
He also announced a collaboration between the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) involving the construction sector and the implementation of HOSH CTM documents to monitor compliance with the Construction Industry Regulations 2024.
He described the collaboration as evidence of the government’s continued commitment to creating safer, healthier and more productive workplaces in line with international best practices.
“Malaysia will attend the International Labour Organisation (ILO) meeting in Geneva in June as part of efforts to improve the country’s labour and workplace standards.
“If we want to achieve a Tier 1 rating, we must meet the required standards,” he said.
Source: ramanan-workplace-stress-mental-well-being-need-greater-focus
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Kritik.com.my. As an open platform, we welcome diverse perspectives, but the accuracy and integrity of contributed content remain the responsibility of the individual writer. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented.