NEARLY one in six workers screened under Malaysia’s National Occupational Disease Prevention Programme (NODiP) may be experiencing work-related psychosocial risks, according to a nationwide study assessing workplace mental health conditions.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan said the findings showed that 16.91 per cent of workers screened were likely to have work-related psychosocial disorders, based on a large-scale study involving 100,000 employees across seven industrial sectors conducted between 2023 and 2025.
Work-related psychosocial disorders refer to negative impacts on workers’ mental, emotional and social wellbeing caused by workplace factors, including job design, management systems and social conditions within the working environment.
Ramanan said the study examined various psychosocial risks, including excessive workloads, high work pace and time pressures that could affect employees’ mental health and overall wellbeing.
"The changing nature of today’s workplace is not only characterised by pressures arising from the use of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), but also encompasses the entire employment ecosystem, including workplace culture, workload management, industrial relations and psychosocial risks.
"These conditions can affect both the mental and physical health of workers and, where applicable, may be classified as occupational diseases.
"Therefore, the findings of this study provide the ministry with empirical data on the mental health status of workers, enabling it to formulate more effective prevention strategies," he said in a written parliamentary reply published on the Parliament website.
Ramanan was responding to a question from Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun), who sought clarification on the estimated productivity losses resulting from anxiety and workplace mental health issues, as well as the policies introduced to safeguard workers' psychological wellbeing.
He said the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), through the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP), continued to strengthen occupational safety and health through the enforcement of legislation, the development of relevant guidelines and the implementation of long-term strategic plans.
Among the key initiatives being prioritised are the implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2026–2030 (OSHMP30), the development of Psychosocial Trained Person (PTP) competencies, specialised training modules, and nationwide promotion and advocacy programmes.
Ramanan said these initiatives are intended to ensure employers manage psychosocial risks systematically while creating safer, healthier and more conducive working environments.
"Through KESUMA, the Government remains committed to strengthening the management of occupational safety, health and workers' mental wellbeing through a comprehensive and integrated approach.
"These initiatives are essential to continuously improving workers' mental wellbeing, productivity and overall quality of life," he said.
The government will continue strengthening workplace mental health management as Malaysia’s employment landscape evolves, with greater emphasis on employee wellbeing, productivity and sustainable working environments. - July 7, 2026
