KAPIT: The opening of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) branch office here will meet the needs of thousands of workers employed in mega projects such as the Baleh hydroelectric power dam in terms of occupational and safety training.
NIOSH chairman Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong said it would provide facilities such as training on legal requirements, awareness and induction and safety passport courses.
This is the fourth NIOSH branch office in Sarawak after Kuching, Bintulu and Miri.
He said the opening of this new branch is a government initiative in providing services and expertise on aspects of occupational health and safety to the community and industry in the area.
He said this after attending the branch office opening ceremony officiated by Kapit Member of Parliament who is also Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi here yesterday.
He said previously employers and workers who were required to finish their training requirements had to travel to NIOSH branches in Miri, Bintulu or Kuching that involved high costs and took weeks to complete.
“That is why we set up a branch here which is the first NIOSH office in the interior of Sarawak to provide advice and consultation as well as organise awareness programmes,” he added. – Bernama
