PUTRAJAYA: The Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) reported 41,278 work-related accidents between January and June this year.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said of the total, 52.1 per cent or 21,508 cases were industrial accidents, and 47.9 per cent or 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 per cent or 352 deaths were related to commuting. "On average, two worker fatalities were recorded daily due to commuting accidents," he said in his speech at the Conference on Asia Road Safety 2024 here today.
He said Perkeso had disbursed about RM718 million in compensation within the period.
Last year, a total of 82,876 accident cases were reported, of which 53.6 per cent or 44,422 cases were industrial accidents, while 46.4 per cent or 38,454 cases were related to commuting, he said.
He said 1,060 of these accidents were fatal, with 29.2 per cent (310 deaths) due to industrial accidents, and 70.8 per cent (750 deaths) related to commuting.
Sim said the total compensation disbursed under the Employment Injury Scheme for work-related incidents exceeded RM1.39 billion last year.
"The substantial payouts reflect not only the financial burden, but also the human cost associated with these incidents."
He said proactive measures were needed to mitigate risks and prevent the rise in workplace accidents.
This could be achieved by strengthening safety protocols, improving workplace conditions, and enhancing employee training, he said, adding that these were crucial steps to protect workers and reduce the economic toll of such incidents.