KUALA LUMPUR: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has urged companies to strengthen workplace safety following a fire at a factory in Bintulu.
Its chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the safety of workers must be the top priority and the incident was a stark reminder that safety standards must never be compromised.
"This incident underscores the urgent need for industry-wide reforms and NIOSH is fully committed to working with all stakeholder employers, employees and regulators to drive a culture of safety throughout the country.
"NIOSH strongly believes that companies must reassess their safety protocols immediately.
"This is not the time for complacency and NIOSH is committed to supporting the affected company and other businesses in ensuring that such incidents will not recur. We call on all companies to do the same as the protection of workers should never be an afterthought but a core principle of any operation," he said in a statement.
On Aug 14, 10 people were injured in a fire at a factory in Samalaju Industrial Park, Bintulu.
Several video recordings shared on social media showed large explosions and thick smoke coming from the factory.
A Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said all the victims were rushed to Bintulu Hospital for further treatment.