KESUMA Targets 10,000 Workers To Be Trained In Basic First Aid Skills

PUTRAJAYA, June 12 (Bernama) -- A new initiative by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) will see 10,000 workers trained in basic first aid skills to strengthen workplace safety and preparedness.

In a statement today, KESUMA announced that this effort was formalised through a strategic collaboration between the ministry, the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

This was announced by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong during his recent official visit to the IFRC headquarters in Geneva.

"The training will be conducted through HRD Corp and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), focusing on high-risk sectors such as manufacturing and key industries.

"This Workplace First Aid Course is not just technical training, but an effort to empower workers and foster a national safety culture," the statement read.

According to the statement, the main objectives of this initiative include reducing mortality and disability rates from accidents through effective early response, fostering a safety culture among employers and employees, and supporting compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514).

Meanwhile, Sim, in the same statement, said that this collaboration is not just about training, but it is an effort to empower Malaysians to save lives.

"We want to send a clear message: workplace safety is not an option, it is a priority," said Sim, who is also the Patron of MRCS Penang.

-- BERNAMA