41,278 Work-related Accidents Reported As Of June - Sim

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- A total of 41,278 work-related accident cases have been reported by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) as of June this year, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong. 

During his speech at the Conference on Asia Road Safety (CARS) here today, he said 52.1 per cent or 21,503 cases reported were industrial accidents while 19,770 cases were related to commuting.

“Tragically, 515 of these accidents were fatal. Specifically, 31.7 per cent or 163 deaths were due to industrial accidents and 68.3 or 352 deaths were related to commuting,” he said adding that in 2023, the total compensation disbursed under the Employment Injury Scheme, Perkeso for related incidents exceeded RM1.39 bilion.

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As at June this year, the total compensation disbursed stands at almost RM718 milion.

“These figures underscore the severe and ongoing impact of workplace accidents on workers' lives. The substantial payouts reflect not only the financial burden but also the human cost associated with these incidents,” he said.

Sim said proactive measures are urgently needed to mitigate these risks and prevent the continued rise in workplace accidents by strengthening safety protocols and improving workplace conditions. 

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Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry is fully committed to supporting every possible measure to reduce the tragic loss of lives caused by road traffic crashes.  

According to statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), road traffic fatalities totalled 6,443 in 2023. 

“This underscores the urgent need for renewed and intensified efforts to address road safety challenges. We must act decisively to halt this rise and work towards achieving safer roads for all,” he said adding that Malaysia’s Road Safety Plan 2022–2030 seeks to significantly reduce the number of road traffic fatalities. 

“The first three-year action plan (2022–2024) focuses on establishing governance platforms and mechanisms for effectively monitoring and evaluating road safety interventions across these ten areas.

“As we are near the end of this first action plan, it is time to review our progress, refine our strategies, and prepare for the next three-year plan (2025–2027) to reduce road traffic fatalities,” he said.

-- BERNAMA