KUCHING: Sarawak will continue to strengthen the occupational safety and health agenda as a strategic component in supporting the state's economic transformation, ensuring that rapid development driven by artificial intelligence (AI), the hydrogen economy, renewable energy and high-tech industries is implemented sustainably without neglecting the well-being of the workforce.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that economic development through the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 requires a workforce that is not only highly skilled, but also healthy, safe and resilient to meet the demands of the industry of the future.

"Economic progress cannot be achieved at the expense of the health, safety and dignity of workers. The workplace of the future must remain safe, healthy, inclusive and sustainable," he said.

He said this in a text of speech read by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian at the Opening Ceremony of the 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), on Thursday.

He stressed that economic progress cannot be achieved at the expense of the safety, health and dignity of workers as these aspects form the foundation of productivity, competitiveness and sustainable development of the state.

According to him, the changing job landscape due to AI, automation, digitalisation, climate change, increasing psychosocial risks and mental health matters requires a new approach in strengthening the occupational safety and health system to align with technological developments and global industry needs.

The Sarawak Premier said that in facing these changes, occupational safety and health professionals play a crucial role in helping the government and industry build a safer, more productive and resilient work environment.

“The workforce of the future must not only have technological capabilities, but must also be healthy, protected and resilient to face the changing job landscape,” he added.

In this regard, he said that organising ACOH 2026 in Sarawak serves as a strategic platform to bring together experts, researchers, policymakers and industry players from across Asia to share research, innovation and best practices in facing new challenges in occupational safety and health.

According to him, regional cooperation is critical to develop more progressive policies and solutions in facing the increasingly complex workplace environment and influenced by technological advancements and global changes.

“The challenges of today’s workplace environment can no longer be addressed alone. We must strengthen cooperation, share knowledge and develop joint solutions to ensure that every workplace remains safe, healthy and resilient,” he said.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari also described Sarawak’s selection as the host of ACOH 2026 as recognition of the state’s commitment in strengthening the culture of occupational safety and health, in addition to expanding the network of international cooperation towards creating safer, healthier and more sustainable workplaces.

He expressed hope that the results of the discussions during the congress would accelerate knowledge sharing, technology transfer and more effective policy implementation in strengthening the occupational safety and health system, thus supporting Sarawak's aspirations to become a developed, inclusive and sustainable economy by 2030. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Lonney Jinab
Photo: Ameerul Syafiq
Translator: Nerissa Sia