KUALA NERUS - A total of 11,464 cases of occupational diseases were recorded nationwide in 2024, said Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Dosh) deputy director-general (Occupational Health) Ahmad Jailani Mansor.
He said that of the total, 8,196 cases were confirmed as occupational diseases, with 82.3 per cent or 6,746 cases involving noise-induced hearing problems.
He added that the statistics also recorded occupational musculoskeletal diseases (820 cases), diseases caused by physical factors (299 cases), occupational poisoning (203 cases), skin diseases (82 cases), diseases caused by biological agents (24 cases), lung diseases (16 cases), cancer (three cases) and psychological disorders (two cases).
"Overall, these statictics show workers are still exposed to various risk factors that can affect their health in the long term.
"These occupational diseases do not occur suddenly, with some effects emerging only after exposure to noise, chemicals, ergonomic factors, physical agents or psychosocial risks.
"That is why, in occupational health, prevention and early detection are far more valuable than waiting for an illness to occur,” he said today.
Also present were Terengganu Dosh director Aguse Adi and UMT vice-chancellor Prof Dr Suriyani Muhamad.
Various activities were held during the two-day carnival, including health screenings, exhibitions, expert sharing sessions, interactive activities and career opportunities in the occupational health field.
Ahmad Jailani said the carnival was held to support the aspirations of the National Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2026-2030, which emphasises cultivating a culture of occupational safety and health that is sustainable and high-impact.
"Occupational diseases can be prevented, but prevention can only take place when risks are identified and action is taken early,” he added. - BERNAMA