NIOSH, JBPM Collaborate To Provide Training For 'Red Heroes'

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in collaboration with the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), today launched a free training programme for ‘Red Heroes' (retired and retiring firefighters).

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said that the initiative, fully funded by NIOSH through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund, is expected to benefit 1,000 participants.

Among the courses offered are the ‘Train The Trainer’ programme to train participants as professional instructors, the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Coordinator course, and the ‘Lead Auditor’ course for management system certification.

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“I am very grateful to the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) and NIOSH because, usually, participants would have to pay for such training programmes. However, specifically for our ‘Red Heroes,’ they will receive these courses for free,” he told reporters after attending the Signing and Exchange of Cooperation Notes ceremony between NIOSH and JBPM at the Parliament lobby today.

The signing and exchange of the Cooperation Notes were carried out by Nga and Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim Chee Keong.

Meanwhile, Sim expressed hope that this collaboration would continue to provide skills training for all Malaysians.

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“With structured training and recognised certification, future fire department retirees will now have the opportunity to enhance their skills and, in turn, improve their employability after retirement,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Nga said the collaboration between JBPM and NIOSH reflects the MADANI government’s commitment to strengthening safety culture and preparedness against fire risks and workplace hazards.

He noted that records from the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) showed 66,574 workplace incidents  nationwide last year, while JBPM statistics estimated fire-related losses at RM1.56 billion.

"Strategic collaboration between agencies like JBPM and NIOSH is crucial in formulating more effective solutions to tackle these challenges," he said.

-- BERNAMA