Budget 2027 Should Incentivise Workplace Safety, Mental Well-being - Lee
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Budget 2027 should introduce targeted tax incentives and policy support to encourage private-sector investment in occupational safety, health and mental well-being.
Alliance for a Safe Community Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said worker well-being should be treated as a core pillar of productivity and sustainability, particularly as the post-pandemic landscape had underscored the need for physically and psychologically resilient workplaces.
“As Malaysia prepares for Budget 2027, it is imperative that we prioritise the well-being of our workforce by empowering the private sector to embrace occupational safety, health and mental wellness as core pillars of productivity and sustainability.
“Budget 2027 presents a timely opportunity to catalyse this transformation through targeted fiscal measures and policy support,” he said in a statement today.
Lee proposed an Accelerated Capital Allowance for companies investing in ergonomic equipment, safety systems and mental health infrastructure, including quiet rooms, wellness pods and digital therapy platforms.
He also proposed double tax deductions for certified occupational safety and health training, mental-health awareness campaigns, employee assistance programmes and the employment of qualified safety officers or workplace counsellors.
Special tax relief should be considered for small and medium enterprises implementing basic occupational safety and health standards or mental-health support mechanisms, in recognition of their limited resources, he said.
Lee said companies offering annual health screenings, stress assessments and burnout-prevention programmes should also qualify for tax deductions.
Beyond fiscal incentives, Lee proposed matching grants for companies pursuing internationally recognised occupational safety and health certifications such as ISO 45001 or adopting recognised mental health frameworks.
He said a National Occupational Safety and Health Innovation Fund could support research and development in safety technologies, wearable health monitors and artificial intelligence (AI) driven risk assessments.
Public-private partnerships should also be developed to produce training modules, toolkits and digital platforms promoting mental-health literacy and hazard prevention.
Lee said employers could be encouraged to disclose occupational safety and health as well as mental health indicators voluntarily, with incentives provided to top-performing companies.
He also proposed establishing national awards for exemplary employers in occupational safety and health and mental wellness to encourage healthy competition and give greater visibility to good workplace practices.
“Budget 2027 must reflect our collective commitment to building humane, safe and future-ready workplaces.
“By incentivising the private sector to lead in this space, we not only protect lives - we unlock higher engagement, lower absenteeism and stronger economic resilience,” he said.
-- BERNAMA