AI to be applied to five govt sectors to boost efficiency, says Sim

The Star

29-04-2025

PETALING JAYA: Artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be applied in the ecosystem of five main sectors to boost delivery of services and work efficiency.
The five sectors are medical and healthcare; education; agriculture and forestry; smart cities and transportation; and public service.
This initiative is in line with the government's commitment to improving safety at workplaces, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim (pic).
He said the Occupational Safety and Hazard Department (DOSH) would play a big part.
'The application of AI will bring a positive impact on the management of data on safety and health risks,' he said after launching the World Occupational Safety and Health Day at the Multimedia University, Cyberjaya yesterday.
Sim said the integration of drone technology, augmented reality and virtual reality by DOSH officers since last year has significantly enhanced forensic engineering, enforcement and accident investigations, particularly in hard-to-reach locations.
Drones were used in such places by DOSH in over 800 cases last year. As a result, 119 notices were issued to employers.
Sim said the ministry had also implemented over 100 enhancements to the Occupational Health and Safety (Osha) Act.
'With the enhancements, the Osha now extends to all workplaces instead of just 10 economic sectors, as in the past. It is also compulsory now to have an occupational safety and health coordinator at any workplace with more than five workers.
'Also, the law now protects workers who may distance themselves from their workplaces if they believe it is unsafe or poses hazards. We have also raised fines for breaching Osha laws from RM50,000 to RM500,000.
'This is not to punish but to ensure workers' safety is prioritised. A gloomy economy can no longer be used as an excuse to exploit workers and compromise on their safety,' he said.
Sim said workplace accident rates have dropped by 17% and deaths by 40% since 2014.
Sim also said the government has taken measures to ensure that new companies, whether local or foreign-owned, are of high-growth to create more job opportunities for graduates.
'Every year, around 300,000 locals graduate from higher education institutions.
'About one-third are STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates, one-third are TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) graduates and the rest, other graduates.
'However, over the past 30 years, our economy could only provide 50,000 jobs for highly skilled workers. Hence, there is an imbalance between job opportunities and the availability of graduates,' Sim said.