"Heatwaves are a Deadly Occupational Hazard, Protect our Workers Now!", 30 March 2026

Malaysia is suffocating under a brutal heatwave, with temperatures hitting 37 to 40 degrees Celsius, and Level 2 alerts declared in northern Peninsular Malaysia for at least three consecutive days…

Public health experts and MOH have rightly warned the public about the severe and long-term health impacts of this extreme heat, which disrupts cardiovascular systems and exacerbates conditions for those with pre-existing illnesses, such as kidney disease, hypertension, and cancer. Authorities have strongly advised the public to reduce unnecessary outdoor activities and limit direct exposure.

However, for millions of outdoor workers—especially those in the building and wood sectors, agriculture, and p-hailing riders—avoiding the outdoors is not an option…

Construction sites and urban centres filled with concrete record significantly higher temperatures than the surrounding areas. Solar and thermal radiation from concrete surfaces and nearby building materials dramatically increase the heat load on workers, creating a highly dangerous working environment…

We commend the initiative and efforts of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in publishing the 2016 Guidelines on Heat Stress Management at the Workplace…

The Building and Woodworkers International – Malaysia Liaison Council (BWI-MLC) urges the government to unequivocally recognise extreme heat as a deadly occupational health hazard under the law…

Workers must not be penalised with wage reductions due to lost working hours when work is suspended for their safety. Similarly, construction contractors should not face financial penalties for delays caused by extreme heat stoppages…

There is an urgent need for the government to table a comprehensive National Heat Action Plan. This plan must provide clear, enforceable directives for employers to guarantee a safe workplace. It must enshrine basic protections, …

As extreme heat becomes an emerging climate change threat to Malaysians, this crisis demands a coordinated, cross-ministerial response from the Ministries of Human Resources, Health, Natural Resources, and Environmental Sustainability…