Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Keselamatan di sekolah”PEMBENTUKAN BUDAYA KERJA SELAMAT DAN SIHAT”
Sejak beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini terdapat beberapa kemalangan dan kecederaan berlaku di premis sekolah dan sebahagiannya dilaporkan dalam media. Insiden dan kemalangan ini melibatkan guru, pekerja sekolah dan juga pelajar.
Dalam usaha untuk mewujudkan kesedaran dan mempromosikan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan, NIOSH yang ditubuhkan di bawah Kementerian Sumber Manusia telah memperkenalkan program keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan di sekolah atau OSH di Sekolah dengan tujuan untuk menjadikan sekolah-sekolah sebagai tempat yang selamat dan sihat untuk para guru, pekerja sekolah, pelajar dan juga pelawat.
NIOSH telah mengambil inisiatif untuk mengeluarkan Buku Panduan Program Keselamatan dan kesihatan Pekerjaan di Sekolah. Buku ini diharap dapat dijadikan rujukan asas oleh pihak sekolah dalam menerapkan aspek keselamatan dan kesihatan di peringkat sekolah.
Buku panduan ini sebenarnya diterbitkan dengan tujuan memberi maklumat dan panduan secara am dalam membangunkan program keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan di sekolah. Antara lain, buku panduan ini memberikan maklumat tentang cara-cara bagaimana untuk menimbulkan kesedaran dan latihan berkenaan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan kepada guru, kakitangan sekolah dan para pelajar.
Buku panduan ini juga memberi maklumat mengenai keselamatan di makmal, pejabat dan kantin, keselamatan ketika bersukan, keselamatan dari terjatuh, keselamatan pemakanan di kantin, kesihatan dan kebersihan diri, pengosongan bangunan waktu kecemasan dan pertolongan kecemasan.
Rancangan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan bukanlah perkara yang baru bagi sekolah. Sebelum ini Kerajaan telah memperkenalkan beberapa projek berunsurkan keselamatan dan kesihatan termasuk Panduan Pengurusan 3K sebagai pemangkin kepada matlamat sekolah yang sihat, bersih dan selamat di seluruh negara.
Konsep OSH in School walaupun hampir serupa dengan program yang telah dilaksanakan oleh Kementerian Pelajaran bercadang untuk membawa suatu dimensi tambahan terhadap keselamatan di sekolah.
Ia melihat sekolah sebagai sebuah tempat atau premis kerja yang melibatkan para guru dan kakitangan sekolah. Sebagai tempat kerja, sekolah juga tertakluk kepada Akta Keselamatan dan kesihatan Pekerjaan (OSHA 1994).
Pelaksanaan peraturan-peraturan OSHA di sekolah adalah untuk memastikan supaya sekolah adalah tempat yang selamat dan terhindar daripada sebarang gejala yang boleh menjejaskan kesihatan para guru, kakitangan sekolah, pelajar mahu pun pelawat.
Tunggak utama terhadap perlaksanaan program ini adalah :
- Memastikan keselamatan, kesihatan dan kebajikan setiap pekerja di sekolah;
- Memastikan sesiapa sahaja yang berada di tempat kerja (di sekolah) diawasi dan dijaga keselamatan dan kesihatan mereka iaitu para pelajar serta pelawat di sekolah berkenaan;
- Mewujudkan suasana tempat kerja yang selamat dan sihat termasuklah (di pejabat, makmal, asrama, kantin, tandas, padang dan sebagainya) sesuai dengan keperluan fisiologi dan psikologi para pekerja dan sesiapa sahaja yang berada di sekolah.
Kesedaran OSH tidak seharusnya ditumpukan kepada guru-guru dan kakitangan sekolah, malah ianya harus juga melibatkan pelajar-pelajar di sekolah. Kesedaran terhadap OSH boleh dilakukan melalui pengurusan OSH di sekolah masing-masing menerusi perlaksanaan program OSH di sekolah ini.
Di samping itu, program tersebut ini dapat memupuk budaya selamat dan sihat di kalangan para pelajar sekolah sejak awal lagi supaya mereka akan menjadi sumber tenaga manusia atau modal insan yang senantiasa prihatin terhadap aspek keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan.
Pendedahan awal ini akan membantu generasi muda negara membentuk budaya kerja selamat dan sihat. Guru-guru adalah merupakan orang yang penting di dalam menerapkan kesedaran terhadap kepentingan OSH di kalangan pelajar.
Berlandaskan matlamat inilah pihak NIOSH merasakan program pelancaran buku panduan yang diadakan ini merupakan usahasama kami dan Syarikat Exxonmobil dalam menyumbang kepada ”PEMBENTUKAN BUDAYA KERJA SELAMAT DAN SIHAT” khususnya di kalangan generasi akan datang dan secara amnya kepada segenap lapisan masyarakat kita.
Dalam usaha untuk mewujudkan kesedaran dan mempromosikan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan, NIOSH yang ditubuhkan di bawah Kementerian Sumber Manusia telah memperkenalkan program keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan di sekolah atau OSH di Sekolah dengan tujuan untuk menjadikan sekolah-sekolah sebagai tempat yang selamat dan sihat untuk para guru, pekerja sekolah, pelajar dan juga pelawat.
NIOSH telah mengambil inisiatif untuk mengeluarkan Buku Panduan Program Keselamatan dan kesihatan Pekerjaan di Sekolah. Buku ini diharap dapat dijadikan rujukan asas oleh pihak sekolah dalam menerapkan aspek keselamatan dan kesihatan di peringkat sekolah.
Buku panduan ini sebenarnya diterbitkan dengan tujuan memberi maklumat dan panduan secara am dalam membangunkan program keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan di sekolah. Antara lain, buku panduan ini memberikan maklumat tentang cara-cara bagaimana untuk menimbulkan kesedaran dan latihan berkenaan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan kepada guru, kakitangan sekolah dan para pelajar.
Buku panduan ini juga memberi maklumat mengenai keselamatan di makmal, pejabat dan kantin, keselamatan ketika bersukan, keselamatan dari terjatuh, keselamatan pemakanan di kantin, kesihatan dan kebersihan diri, pengosongan bangunan waktu kecemasan dan pertolongan kecemasan.
Rancangan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan bukanlah perkara yang baru bagi sekolah. Sebelum ini Kerajaan telah memperkenalkan beberapa projek berunsurkan keselamatan dan kesihatan termasuk Panduan Pengurusan 3K sebagai pemangkin kepada matlamat sekolah yang sihat, bersih dan selamat di seluruh negara.
Konsep OSH in School walaupun hampir serupa dengan program yang telah dilaksanakan oleh Kementerian Pelajaran bercadang untuk membawa suatu dimensi tambahan terhadap keselamatan di sekolah.
Ia melihat sekolah sebagai sebuah tempat atau premis kerja yang melibatkan para guru dan kakitangan sekolah. Sebagai tempat kerja, sekolah juga tertakluk kepada Akta Keselamatan dan kesihatan Pekerjaan (OSHA 1994).
Pelaksanaan peraturan-peraturan OSHA di sekolah adalah untuk memastikan supaya sekolah adalah tempat yang selamat dan terhindar daripada sebarang gejala yang boleh menjejaskan kesihatan para guru, kakitangan sekolah, pelajar mahu pun pelawat.
Tunggak utama terhadap perlaksanaan program ini adalah :
- Memastikan keselamatan, kesihatan dan kebajikan setiap pekerja di sekolah;
- Memastikan sesiapa sahaja yang berada di tempat kerja (di sekolah) diawasi dan dijaga keselamatan dan kesihatan mereka iaitu para pelajar serta pelawat di sekolah berkenaan;
- Mewujudkan suasana tempat kerja yang selamat dan sihat termasuklah (di pejabat, makmal, asrama, kantin, tandas, padang dan sebagainya) sesuai dengan keperluan fisiologi dan psikologi para pekerja dan sesiapa sahaja yang berada di sekolah.
Kesedaran OSH tidak seharusnya ditumpukan kepada guru-guru dan kakitangan sekolah, malah ianya harus juga melibatkan pelajar-pelajar di sekolah. Kesedaran terhadap OSH boleh dilakukan melalui pengurusan OSH di sekolah masing-masing menerusi perlaksanaan program OSH di sekolah ini.
Di samping itu, program tersebut ini dapat memupuk budaya selamat dan sihat di kalangan para pelajar sekolah sejak awal lagi supaya mereka akan menjadi sumber tenaga manusia atau modal insan yang senantiasa prihatin terhadap aspek keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan.
Pendedahan awal ini akan membantu generasi muda negara membentuk budaya kerja selamat dan sihat. Guru-guru adalah merupakan orang yang penting di dalam menerapkan kesedaran terhadap kepentingan OSH di kalangan pelajar.
Berlandaskan matlamat inilah pihak NIOSH merasakan program pelancaran buku panduan yang diadakan ini merupakan usahasama kami dan Syarikat Exxonmobil dalam menyumbang kepada ”PEMBENTUKAN BUDAYA KERJA SELAMAT DAN SIHAT” khususnya di kalangan generasi akan datang dan secara amnya kepada segenap lapisan masyarakat kita.
人文发展与道德教育必须与国家同步发展
马来西亚防范罪案基金会副主席丹斯里李霖泰今日吁请政府与整个社会一道同心同德的精神，共同克服许多困扰国家的严重社会弊病，保护我们的年青一代免受毒品的祸害及青少年犯罪等。
李氏表示最近激增的暴力犯罪，包括强奸和谋杀罪行波及全国各地。我们的社会发生了什么事？与所有残暴和野蛮屠杀的青少年，甚至涉及自己的孩子，我们是否生活在一个文明的时代？
每一个头脑健全和理性的马来西亚人民都不能漠不关心所发生的一系列暴力犯罪。现今，同样没有人能够忽略许多严重的社会弊病困扰着我们的国家。
李氏指出道德与人文发展无法与国家经济及科技发展相比，无可否认咨讯时代与科技发展非常重要，不过与此同时，我们必须意识到发展人文与道德的重要性；不然这个发展进程是没有意义的。
经济与科技发展绝不能以牺牲道德和人文发展，因为这是极其必要的，使我们能够应付许多困扰我们的社会弊端。马来西亚防范罪案基金会认为我们需要从各个方面解决这些问题。
在教育方面需要进行更多的教育，并建立必要的醒觉认识；为我们的青年人远离不健康的影响。家长不可推卸责任，他们不能只是依靠学校而已。政府则必须全力执行法律，严厉维持执法行动。
此外，还要加强道德建设，使我们的青年认识到自己的责任，为自己、社区和国家。我们的青年也应当建立自己强大的内在自我辩护，拒绝对他们不好的东西。
虽然他们是必不可少的，不过建议更严格的法律将不会有效打击道德败坏青少年。我们的青年人应该拒绝不好的行为，并不是因为法律，而是因为他们仅仅是不好的。在今后的日子里，青年参与的计划和活动的的目应该是帮助我们的青年发展高自尊和积极的自我价值观。
李氏表示归根结底最好是花更多的预防性措施，以应付各种青少年的问题，而不是修建更多的监狱，少年感化院或扣押中心。
李氏表示最近激增的暴力犯罪，包括强奸和谋杀罪行波及全国各地。我们的社会发生了什么事？与所有残暴和野蛮屠杀的青少年，甚至涉及自己的孩子，我们是否生活在一个文明的时代？
每一个头脑健全和理性的马来西亚人民都不能漠不关心所发生的一系列暴力犯罪。现今，同样没有人能够忽略许多严重的社会弊病困扰着我们的国家。
李氏指出道德与人文发展无法与国家经济及科技发展相比，无可否认咨讯时代与科技发展非常重要，不过与此同时，我们必须意识到发展人文与道德的重要性；不然这个发展进程是没有意义的。
经济与科技发展绝不能以牺牲道德和人文发展，因为这是极其必要的，使我们能够应付许多困扰我们的社会弊端。马来西亚防范罪案基金会认为我们需要从各个方面解决这些问题。
在教育方面需要进行更多的教育，并建立必要的醒觉认识；为我们的青年人远离不健康的影响。家长不可推卸责任，他们不能只是依靠学校而已。政府则必须全力执行法律，严厉维持执法行动。
此外，还要加强道德建设，使我们的青年认识到自己的责任，为自己、社区和国家。我们的青年也应当建立自己强大的内在自我辩护，拒绝对他们不好的东西。
虽然他们是必不可少的，不过建议更严格的法律将不会有效打击道德败坏青少年。我们的青年人应该拒绝不好的行为，并不是因为法律，而是因为他们仅仅是不好的。在今后的日子里，青年参与的计划和活动的的目应该是帮助我们的青年发展高自尊和积极的自我价值观。
李氏表示归根结底最好是花更多的预防性措施，以应付各种青少年的问题，而不是修建更多的监狱，少年感化院或扣押中心。
Crime Counselling Programme
Counselling programmes involving family institutions and the promotion of good noble values are in great need today than ever before.
Noble values must continue to be preserved and nurtured to act as a shield against the various social ills plaguing the society.
When a nation progresses the family institution could be the first victim with children not getting enough attention and guidance leading to the emergence of various social ills affecting our teenagers.
A dilemma facing Malaysian parents today is really how to strike a balance between their working career and nurturing their children made more complicated by demanding employers who make their staff stay back late to get work finished.
Another problem is also perhaps due to lack of parenting skills which has to be addressed.
The fact is that parents are busy with their career and are not able to spend quality time with their children with the result that thousands of urban children are left to the whims and mindsets of foreign maids, baby-sitters and in some cases relatives.
Children who return from schools find themselves in empty homes as both their parents are out at work. There is no one around to show parental love, teach and inculcate in the children good family values.
Instead of seeking guidance from parents these children do so from their peers. With negative peer pressure an environment will exist which will eventually lead to various social ills.
Children who grow up in such environment will end up in becoming the victims of many social ills like truancy, violence in schools, drug abuse and even crimes.
If this problem is not addressed it will result in a serious divide between children and parents and an increase in social problems and crime involving young people.
Parents must be prepared to make an effort to spend quality time with their children. Children need parental love and without it their lives will be destroyed as they will neither understand nor appreciate love and family ties later in their lives.
Parents must be increasingly concerned about the quality of family life and must constantly take steps to instill into their children the basic moral values needed to build the foundation of a strong, stable and cohesive society.
What is also needed is a continuous programme of moral strengthening and reinforcement to make the children aware of their responsibilities to themselves, their parents, the community and the nation.
The world today is confronted with a very disturbing phenomenon. Wherever modernization and economic development takes place and results in a better standard of living, new problems, such as a decline in human values and moral degradation, occur.
To arrest the situation, a massive programme of inculcating values is required at all levels for children, youths and teenagers.
Values such as obedience, filial piety, respect for elders, patience and tolerance, truth, responsibilities, honour, etc need to be emphasized.
Strong human values along with strong families are key to building a peaceful and stable community which will then lead to a strong and stable nation.
The need for these has never been greater than today.
Noble values must continue to be preserved and nurtured to act as a shield against the various social ills plaguing the society.
When a nation progresses the family institution could be the first victim with children not getting enough attention and guidance leading to the emergence of various social ills affecting our teenagers.
A dilemma facing Malaysian parents today is really how to strike a balance between their working career and nurturing their children made more complicated by demanding employers who make their staff stay back late to get work finished.
Another problem is also perhaps due to lack of parenting skills which has to be addressed.
The fact is that parents are busy with their career and are not able to spend quality time with their children with the result that thousands of urban children are left to the whims and mindsets of foreign maids, baby-sitters and in some cases relatives.
Children who return from schools find themselves in empty homes as both their parents are out at work. There is no one around to show parental love, teach and inculcate in the children good family values.
Instead of seeking guidance from parents these children do so from their peers. With negative peer pressure an environment will exist which will eventually lead to various social ills.
Children who grow up in such environment will end up in becoming the victims of many social ills like truancy, violence in schools, drug abuse and even crimes.
If this problem is not addressed it will result in a serious divide between children and parents and an increase in social problems and crime involving young people.
Parents must be prepared to make an effort to spend quality time with their children. Children need parental love and without it their lives will be destroyed as they will neither understand nor appreciate love and family ties later in their lives.
Parents must be increasingly concerned about the quality of family life and must constantly take steps to instill into their children the basic moral values needed to build the foundation of a strong, stable and cohesive society.
What is also needed is a continuous programme of moral strengthening and reinforcement to make the children aware of their responsibilities to themselves, their parents, the community and the nation.
The world today is confronted with a very disturbing phenomenon. Wherever modernization and economic development takes place and results in a better standard of living, new problems, such as a decline in human values and moral degradation, occur.
To arrest the situation, a massive programme of inculcating values is required at all levels for children, youths and teenagers.
Values such as obedience, filial piety, respect for elders, patience and tolerance, truth, responsibilities, honour, etc need to be emphasized.
Strong human values along with strong families are key to building a peaceful and stable community which will then lead to a strong and stable nation.
The need for these has never been greater than today.
Snatch Theft Problems
The Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) calls for the inculcation and adoption of an anti-crime culture among all Malaysians to make our communities free from crime.
This involves education, awareness creation and prevention which must be done in schools, educational institutions, work places, voluntary organizations and the public as a whole.
The MCPF welcomes the on-going campaign against snatch thieves involving the various branches of the police force.
While more uniformed personnel are being deployed for street patrols to fight snatch thefts and road-side robberies, there is also a need to tackle the problem at source.
The fact has been established that most snatch thieves are drug addicts who need to support their habit.
The MCPF feels that there should be profiling of snatch thieves so that we will know their background and why they are into it.
If we are to deal with the problem of snatch thieves at source we need to tackle the problem of drug addicts. As long as this problem is not resolved, many drug-related crimes will continue to occur.
Providing employment to rehabilitated drug addicts to keep them away from crime is therefore crucial. If they do not have employment they will continue to be involved in petty crimes such as snatch thefts.
I therefore suggest to both the government and the private sector to look into the employment of rehabilitated drug addicts and help to re-integrate them into society so that they can get settled down and do not have to live a life of crime.
In the meanwhile, the MCPF calls on law enforcement agencies, including local authorities and NGOs to work with one mind and commitment to fight the snatch-thief scourge which is a bane in our society.
Various measures should be considered for implementation and these include:-
a. The police should make available more manpower and resources to nab snatch thieves throughout the country.
b. All local authorities should introduce initiatives and implement the guidelines under the safe city concept to provide safety features such as constructing barriers to separate pedestrian walkways and roads.
c. Pedestrians must enhance their vigilance against snatch thieves and put into practice the guidelines provided by the MCPF and the Police as to how they can prevent snatch thefts.
d. The public must go all out and give help to victims to nab snatch thieves and hand them over to the authorities.
e. More stringent punishment must be meted out to those convicted of snatch thefts commensurate with the seriousness of the offence.
This involves education, awareness creation and prevention which must be done in schools, educational institutions, work places, voluntary organizations and the public as a whole.
The MCPF welcomes the on-going campaign against snatch thieves involving the various branches of the police force.
While more uniformed personnel are being deployed for street patrols to fight snatch thefts and road-side robberies, there is also a need to tackle the problem at source.
The fact has been established that most snatch thieves are drug addicts who need to support their habit.
The MCPF feels that there should be profiling of snatch thieves so that we will know their background and why they are into it.
If we are to deal with the problem of snatch thieves at source we need to tackle the problem of drug addicts. As long as this problem is not resolved, many drug-related crimes will continue to occur.
Providing employment to rehabilitated drug addicts to keep them away from crime is therefore crucial. If they do not have employment they will continue to be involved in petty crimes such as snatch thefts.
I therefore suggest to both the government and the private sector to look into the employment of rehabilitated drug addicts and help to re-integrate them into society so that they can get settled down and do not have to live a life of crime.
In the meanwhile, the MCPF calls on law enforcement agencies, including local authorities and NGOs to work with one mind and commitment to fight the snatch-thief scourge which is a bane in our society.
Various measures should be considered for implementation and these include:-
a. The police should make available more manpower and resources to nab snatch thieves throughout the country.
b. All local authorities should introduce initiatives and implement the guidelines under the safe city concept to provide safety features such as constructing barriers to separate pedestrian walkways and roads.
c. Pedestrians must enhance their vigilance against snatch thieves and put into practice the guidelines provided by the MCPF and the Police as to how they can prevent snatch thefts.
d. The public must go all out and give help to victims to nab snatch thieves and hand them over to the authorities.
e. More stringent punishment must be meted out to those convicted of snatch thefts commensurate with the seriousness of the offence.
Managing Occupational Safety And Health Towards Business Competitiveness
The Chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, (NIOSH) emphasized today the importance of Managing Occupational Safety and Health Towards Business Competitiveness and called on employers to see training as an INVESTMENT and not an EXPENSE.
There is a need to turn the current thinking on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) from a negative to a positive one and take a rational and practical approach in addressing the management of this issue.
Management or employers must recognise OSH of employees as an integral part of business management. Concerns for the bottom line must be looked at with equal gravity with OSH issues at the workplace. After all they are both concerned with the viability of the business enterprise.
Employees are often regarded by management to be the most important asset of any organization. Hence, it makes sense that this particular asset should be protected in terms of health and safety and nurtured to ensure that it continues to be productive.
In any business enterprise, the issue of preserving and retaining the employees is most urgent. Management must now step back and take a hard look at their asset and actively show how much they value their employees with a responsible OSH Policy backed up by the necessary organisation and systems to implement accident prevention programmes.
Many people are not conscious of the importance of occupational safety and health (OSH) until an accident, injury or fatality occurs.
There are industries which do not want to invest in safety and health at the workplace because of the cost factor.
They do not seem to realize that if accidents or fatalities occur due to their disregard for OSH the costs they have to bear will even be much heavier.
Safety is Good Business
Common sense tells us that “Safety is Good Business”. If industries give priority to safety issues at the workplace it will certainly be beneficial to the business.
There must be greater commitment by industries, particularly the SMI/Es to adopt a work-safety culture and do more to prevent or minimize industrial accidents through good OSH practices.
OSH training for SMIs is of paramount importance and SMI operators should see training as an investment and not an expense.
In the global economy OSH issues are among the key determinants to a company’s competitiveness through productivity enhancement and efficiency.
Observations and evidence had shown that an increase in productivity and an improvement in workplace environment were the results of good safety and health work practices and the adoption of a work safety culture.
OSH must therefore be treated as an investment and not an expense and this is in line with the maxim that ‘SAFETY IS GOOD BUSINESS’.
Compromising OSH Incurs Additional Costs
NIOSH is aware that the present economic hardship and uncertainty experienced by Malaysia and elsewhere has had a significant impact on our industries as a whole.
Many companies have had to tighten their budgets. This measure is unavoidable. However, in the process, a number of questions come to mind:
a) Should a company cut back on the safety and health budget in the workplace during this economic downturn ?
b) Is this a logical or viable step to take ?
If you stop to think for a moment, compromising safety and health at the workplace is tantamount to incurring additional costs to a company. Why do I say that ? Can a company afford to :
1) Have an unwanted accident which might disrupt production ?
2) Be distracted with having to investigate the accident whereas it should be occupied with other scheduled productive duties ;
3) And in the worst case scenario, be issued with a stop-work order where productivity will be affected.
These are few examples of what accidents can do to the bottomline and productivity of a company.
So how do we address OSH issues in these difficult times?
The answer lies in the development of a “good OSH management system.” This responsibility lies with the management team, which must accord serious attention to the aspect of how to manage OSH appropriately.
The very objective of good OSH management is to provide the required investment in terms of commitment – financial, human resources and equipment in systematic OSH strategies – in order to secure the highest rate of return on investment such as zero accident without jeopardising the company’s overall profit performance.
Good OSH management is therefore an integral part of a good overall company management system.
Occupational safety and health should not be seen as a profit-sapping factor for the management of industries, but be regarded as a productivity booster. Industries must realize that accident prevention is no longer a fringe benefit but a prerequisite to a profitable operation.
Industries and employers must realize that four fundamental factors justify OSH management. These are, corporate social responsibility, social and moral obligation, good business sense and legal obligation.
Common sense tells us that effective OSH management not only reduces the risk to safety and health but also ensure high returns to the company in terms of productivity and profitability.
Managing OSH is not only essential for business competitiveness but also ensuring the well-being of the workforce.
Statistics on Industrial Accidents
Since the introduction of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in 1994, the number of accidents at workplaces has shown a significant reduction. According to statistics compiled by the Ministry of Human Resources, the number of industrial accidents reported to SOCSO and the Labour Department for all sectors decreased from 86,589 in 1997 to 56,339 in 2007. This is a substantial reduction of over 35 percent over a period of ten years.
Although there is a decline in the average number of industrial accidents from 10 per 1,000 workers in 1997 to 6.8 in 2007, we should strive against the benchmark of developed countries which only have 3-4 accidents per 1,000 workers.
However, this does not mean that there is room for complacency. As Malaysia moves towards industrialised nation status, we must continue to strategise new approaches to meet the challenges of occupational safety and health.
Seen from an overall perspective, occupational health should be defined as the promotion of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations.
There is a need to turn the current thinking on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) from a negative to a positive one and take a rational and practical approach in addressing the management of this issue.
Management or employers must recognise OSH of employees as an integral part of business management. Concerns for the bottom line must be looked at with equal gravity with OSH issues at the workplace. After all they are both concerned with the viability of the business enterprise.
Employees are often regarded by management to be the most important asset of any organization. Hence, it makes sense that this particular asset should be protected in terms of health and safety and nurtured to ensure that it continues to be productive.
In any business enterprise, the issue of preserving and retaining the employees is most urgent. Management must now step back and take a hard look at their asset and actively show how much they value their employees with a responsible OSH Policy backed up by the necessary organisation and systems to implement accident prevention programmes.
Many people are not conscious of the importance of occupational safety and health (OSH) until an accident, injury or fatality occurs.
There are industries which do not want to invest in safety and health at the workplace because of the cost factor.
They do not seem to realize that if accidents or fatalities occur due to their disregard for OSH the costs they have to bear will even be much heavier.
Safety is Good Business
Common sense tells us that “Safety is Good Business”. If industries give priority to safety issues at the workplace it will certainly be beneficial to the business.
There must be greater commitment by industries, particularly the SMI/Es to adopt a work-safety culture and do more to prevent or minimize industrial accidents through good OSH practices.
OSH training for SMIs is of paramount importance and SMI operators should see training as an investment and not an expense.
In the global economy OSH issues are among the key determinants to a company’s competitiveness through productivity enhancement and efficiency.
Observations and evidence had shown that an increase in productivity and an improvement in workplace environment were the results of good safety and health work practices and the adoption of a work safety culture.
OSH must therefore be treated as an investment and not an expense and this is in line with the maxim that ‘SAFETY IS GOOD BUSINESS’.
Compromising OSH Incurs Additional Costs
NIOSH is aware that the present economic hardship and uncertainty experienced by Malaysia and elsewhere has had a significant impact on our industries as a whole.
Many companies have had to tighten their budgets. This measure is unavoidable. However, in the process, a number of questions come to mind:
a) Should a company cut back on the safety and health budget in the workplace during this economic downturn ?
b) Is this a logical or viable step to take ?
If you stop to think for a moment, compromising safety and health at the workplace is tantamount to incurring additional costs to a company. Why do I say that ? Can a company afford to :
1) Have an unwanted accident which might disrupt production ?
2) Be distracted with having to investigate the accident whereas it should be occupied with other scheduled productive duties ;
3) And in the worst case scenario, be issued with a stop-work order where productivity will be affected.
These are few examples of what accidents can do to the bottomline and productivity of a company.
So how do we address OSH issues in these difficult times?
The answer lies in the development of a “good OSH management system.” This responsibility lies with the management team, which must accord serious attention to the aspect of how to manage OSH appropriately.
The very objective of good OSH management is to provide the required investment in terms of commitment – financial, human resources and equipment in systematic OSH strategies – in order to secure the highest rate of return on investment such as zero accident without jeopardising the company’s overall profit performance.
Good OSH management is therefore an integral part of a good overall company management system.
Occupational safety and health should not be seen as a profit-sapping factor for the management of industries, but be regarded as a productivity booster. Industries must realize that accident prevention is no longer a fringe benefit but a prerequisite to a profitable operation.
Industries and employers must realize that four fundamental factors justify OSH management. These are, corporate social responsibility, social and moral obligation, good business sense and legal obligation.
Common sense tells us that effective OSH management not only reduces the risk to safety and health but also ensure high returns to the company in terms of productivity and profitability.
Managing OSH is not only essential for business competitiveness but also ensuring the well-being of the workforce.
Statistics on Industrial Accidents
Since the introduction of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in 1994, the number of accidents at workplaces has shown a significant reduction. According to statistics compiled by the Ministry of Human Resources, the number of industrial accidents reported to SOCSO and the Labour Department for all sectors decreased from 86,589 in 1997 to 56,339 in 2007. This is a substantial reduction of over 35 percent over a period of ten years.
Although there is a decline in the average number of industrial accidents from 10 per 1,000 workers in 1997 to 6.8 in 2007, we should strive against the benchmark of developed countries which only have 3-4 accidents per 1,000 workers.
However, this does not mean that there is room for complacency. As Malaysia moves towards industrialised nation status, we must continue to strategise new approaches to meet the challenges of occupational safety and health.
Seen from an overall perspective, occupational health should be defined as the promotion of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations.
Jangan Lindungi Papan Tanda
Saya merujuk kepada laporan dalam muka “SURAT & E-MEL” bertarikh 16hb Disember yang memaparkan suatu gambar bertajuk “Papan Tanda jalan terlindung pokok” menyebabkan pemandu terutama dari luar kawasan sukar mencari jalan ke Seremban 2, Negeri Sembilan.
Sebenarnya masalah tersebut bukan sahaja wujud di Seremban. Masalah ini boleh dilihat di merata-rata tempat di seluruh negara.
Yang mendukacitakan orang ramai ialah banyak pihak berkuasa bertanggungjawab tidak mengambil apa-apa tindakan untuk mengatasinya demi kepentingan orang ramai.
Masalah ini wujud disebabkan oleh kekurangan penyenggaraan oleh penguasa tempatan atau pihak yang berkenaan yang gagal memotong daun dan dahan yang menutupi papan-tanda jalan tersebut.
Memang benar pokok ditanam ditepi jalan untuk penghijauan dan lanskap di tepi jalan. Tetapi ia boleh menyebabkan kesulitan kepada pemandu terutamanya mereka yang tidak biasa dengan jalan tersebut apabila papan-tanda jalan dilindungi oleh pokok-pokok atau dahan tersebut dari penglihatan pemandu.
Apa yang lebih serius ialah papan-tanda yang terselindung tersebut boleh mendatangkan masaalah keselamatan dan menyebabkan kemalangan.
Saya ingin mencadangkan kepada semua majlis tempatan dan pihak-pihak berkuasa yang berkenaan supaya melakukan penyenggaraan yang sepatutnya kepada kemudahan awam kita dengan memastikan papan-tanda jalan raya kita tidak dilindungi dari penglihatan pemandu.
Saya sering menyatakan bahawa budaya penyenggaraan tidak pernah menjadi kekuatan atau kelebihan kita walaupun Malaysia dikenali sebagai negara membangun yang mempunyai prasarana kelas dunia pertama.
Pada tahun-tahun kebelakangan ini kita telah membelanjakan berbilion ringgit untuk pembangunan tetapi apa yang dikesalkan ialah kekurangan penyenggaraan tehadap prasarana dan kemudahan awam tersebut.
Kita membangunkan dan menyediakan berbagai kemudahan awam tetapi kita selalu merasa kecewa apabila sampai kepada isu penyenggaraannya yang tidak memuaskan.
Sebenarnya masalah tersebut bukan sahaja wujud di Seremban. Masalah ini boleh dilihat di merata-rata tempat di seluruh negara.
Yang mendukacitakan orang ramai ialah banyak pihak berkuasa bertanggungjawab tidak mengambil apa-apa tindakan untuk mengatasinya demi kepentingan orang ramai.
Masalah ini wujud disebabkan oleh kekurangan penyenggaraan oleh penguasa tempatan atau pihak yang berkenaan yang gagal memotong daun dan dahan yang menutupi papan-tanda jalan tersebut.
Memang benar pokok ditanam ditepi jalan untuk penghijauan dan lanskap di tepi jalan. Tetapi ia boleh menyebabkan kesulitan kepada pemandu terutamanya mereka yang tidak biasa dengan jalan tersebut apabila papan-tanda jalan dilindungi oleh pokok-pokok atau dahan tersebut dari penglihatan pemandu.
Apa yang lebih serius ialah papan-tanda yang terselindung tersebut boleh mendatangkan masaalah keselamatan dan menyebabkan kemalangan.
Saya ingin mencadangkan kepada semua majlis tempatan dan pihak-pihak berkuasa yang berkenaan supaya melakukan penyenggaraan yang sepatutnya kepada kemudahan awam kita dengan memastikan papan-tanda jalan raya kita tidak dilindungi dari penglihatan pemandu.
Saya sering menyatakan bahawa budaya penyenggaraan tidak pernah menjadi kekuatan atau kelebihan kita walaupun Malaysia dikenali sebagai negara membangun yang mempunyai prasarana kelas dunia pertama.
Pada tahun-tahun kebelakangan ini kita telah membelanjakan berbilion ringgit untuk pembangunan tetapi apa yang dikesalkan ialah kekurangan penyenggaraan tehadap prasarana dan kemudahan awam tersebut.
Kita membangunkan dan menyediakan berbagai kemudahan awam tetapi kita selalu merasa kecewa apabila sampai kepada isu penyenggaraannya yang tidak memuaskan.
社会领袖兼马来西亚防范罪案基金会副主席丹斯里李霖泰2009年新年献词
新年伊始让每个马来西亚人决心使马来西亚成为一个安全生活的地方。我们不仅要拒绝来自恐怖主义、犯罪和暴力，但也从我们自己所造成的悲剧中吸取教训，无论是在公路上、住宅或公共场所与工作场所。
丹斯里李霖泰表示今后的日子里最至关重要的是，所有的国人必须注意的一个重要经验教训，如果我们的环境没有和平及人类的文明，这是可以被摧毁的。事实上，斜坡与公路坍塌经常的发生，造成我们失败在维修文化与一种安全生活之道。
当建筑物倒塌或环境污染或在工作场所发生死亡是我们的责任。我们不能简单地归咎于大自然或工作的工具。我们必须认识到任何的行动，结果在退化和破坏我们的环境将产生灾难性的后果。
多年来，政府已花费了数十亿的发展，但令人遗憾的是我们缺乏维修。我们必须有政治决心才可以获得纠正。被任命的负责人绝不能推卸责任。
在政治方面至关重要的是尽管存有不同的政治意识形态和观点，不过，我国作为一个团结和爱好和平及政治稳定的国家。马来西亚各种族希望看到政府采取进一步措施，解决全球经济下滑所造成的影响；保持团结、和平与稳定，维护所有人的权利并保障马来西亚人根据宪法和两者之间取得平衡，不管在经济和科技发展与社会和道德发展。
我们需要更积极地解决种族融洽的问题，团结和国家建设除了对付犯罪，吸毒和其他社会问题。
以上是所有国人希望在新的一年（2009年）看到有关当局做更多的工作，积极打击和防止犯罪。除了经济因素，治安是所有马来西亚人第2大关心的事情。犯罪的发生已成为一个重大问题，因此必须有一个新年决议支持正在进行中的努力，而整个马来西亚共同体必须参与及介入打击犯罪。
丹斯里李霖泰表示今后的日子里最至关重要的是，所有的国人必须注意的一个重要经验教训，如果我们的环境没有和平及人类的文明，这是可以被摧毁的。事实上，斜坡与公路坍塌经常的发生，造成我们失败在维修文化与一种安全生活之道。
当建筑物倒塌或环境污染或在工作场所发生死亡是我们的责任。我们不能简单地归咎于大自然或工作的工具。我们必须认识到任何的行动，结果在退化和破坏我们的环境将产生灾难性的后果。
多年来，政府已花费了数十亿的发展，但令人遗憾的是我们缺乏维修。我们必须有政治决心才可以获得纠正。被任命的负责人绝不能推卸责任。
在政治方面至关重要的是尽管存有不同的政治意识形态和观点，不过，我国作为一个团结和爱好和平及政治稳定的国家。马来西亚各种族希望看到政府采取进一步措施，解决全球经济下滑所造成的影响；保持团结、和平与稳定，维护所有人的权利并保障马来西亚人根据宪法和两者之间取得平衡，不管在经济和科技发展与社会和道德发展。
我们需要更积极地解决种族融洽的问题，团结和国家建设除了对付犯罪，吸毒和其他社会问题。
以上是所有国人希望在新的一年（2009年）看到有关当局做更多的工作，积极打击和防止犯罪。除了经济因素，治安是所有马来西亚人第2大关心的事情。犯罪的发生已成为一个重大问题，因此必须有一个新年决议支持正在进行中的努力，而整个马来西亚共同体必须参与及介入打击犯罪。
2009 New Year Wishes- Resolution for all Malaysians
At the start of the New Year let every Malaysian resolve to make Malaysia a safe place to live in- safe not only from terrorism, crime and violence but also from tragedies which are of our own doing whether they be on the roads, in residential and public areas or at workplaces.
In the days ahead it is essential for all Malaysians to take heed of one important lesson for humanity and this is civilization could be destroyed if it did not make peace with our environment.
The fact that landslides and road cave-ins are a frequent occurrence points to our failure to make the culture of maintenance and safety a way of life.
When buildings collapse or the environment is polluted or fatalities occur at workplaces we are responsible. We cannot simply blame Nature or the work tools.
We have to realize that any action that results in the degradation and destruction of our environment will have disastrous consequences.
Over the years, the government has spent billions on development but what is regrettable is the lack of maintenance. This has to be rectified and it must have the political will to do so. Those who are placed in charge must never shirk their responsibility.
On the political front it is vital for Malaysia to continue to exist as a united and peaceful nation with political stability despite the existence of divergent political ideologies and views.
Malaysians of all races wish to see the Government taking further steps to address the impact of the global economic downturn, maintain unity, peace and stability, uphold the rights of all Malaysians as guaranteed under the Constitution and strike a balance between economic and IT development with social and moral development.
We need to address more aggressively the issues of racial integration, unity and nation-building besides having to deal with crime, drug addiction and other social problems.
Above all it is the wish of all Malaysians in 2009 to see the authorities concerned do more to fight and prevent crime as this is the 2nd biggest concern of all Malaysians. Crime occurrence has become a major problem and there must be a New Year Resolution to bolster on-going efforts to fight crime with the involvement and participation of the entire Malaysian Community.
In the days ahead it is essential for all Malaysians to take heed of one important lesson for humanity and this is civilization could be destroyed if it did not make peace with our environment.
The fact that landslides and road cave-ins are a frequent occurrence points to our failure to make the culture of maintenance and safety a way of life.
When buildings collapse or the environment is polluted or fatalities occur at workplaces we are responsible. We cannot simply blame Nature or the work tools.
We have to realize that any action that results in the degradation and destruction of our environment will have disastrous consequences.
Over the years, the government has spent billions on development but what is regrettable is the lack of maintenance. This has to be rectified and it must have the political will to do so. Those who are placed in charge must never shirk their responsibility.
On the political front it is vital for Malaysia to continue to exist as a united and peaceful nation with political stability despite the existence of divergent political ideologies and views.
Malaysians of all races wish to see the Government taking further steps to address the impact of the global economic downturn, maintain unity, peace and stability, uphold the rights of all Malaysians as guaranteed under the Constitution and strike a balance between economic and IT development with social and moral development.
We need to address more aggressively the issues of racial integration, unity and nation-building besides having to deal with crime, drug addiction and other social problems.
Above all it is the wish of all Malaysians in 2009 to see the authorities concerned do more to fight and prevent crime as this is the 2nd biggest concern of all Malaysians. Crime occurrence has become a major problem and there must be a New Year Resolution to bolster on-going efforts to fight crime with the involvement and participation of the entire Malaysian Community.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Proposal for PSD to accept rehabilitated drug addicts for appointment to suitable jobs in the public service sector
I welcome the Home Ministry’s proposal to have discussions with the Public Service Department to accept rehabilitated drug addicts for appointment to suitable jobs in the public service sector.
Such a move is long overdue. When I served as the Vice-President of Pemadam in the nineties, I had brought up the suggestion several times but it was not considered.
I have all along been of the view that both the public and private sectors should look into the employment of rehabilitated drug addicts and help to re-integrate them into society so that they can get settled down and do not have to be recidivists and live a life of crime.
Even as late as March this year I urged the government to set an example and help rehabilitated drug addicts to seek employment.
Instead of just urging society to give rehabilitated drug addicts a second chance, the government should lead by example and provide them suitable jobs in the public sector.
It is the right move for the Home Ministry to initiate discussions with the Public Service Department on the matter.
Presently the Public Service Department cannot accept rehabilitated drug addicts as the General Orders forbids hiring people with criminal records in the civil service.
But it is a matter which can be reconsidered by the Public Service Department, if it wants to, in the interest of assisting the rehabilitated drug addicts reintegrate into society.
Such a move is long overdue. When I served as the Vice-President of Pemadam in the nineties, I had brought up the suggestion several times but it was not considered.
I have all along been of the view that both the public and private sectors should look into the employment of rehabilitated drug addicts and help to re-integrate them into society so that they can get settled down and do not have to be recidivists and live a life of crime.
Even as late as March this year I urged the government to set an example and help rehabilitated drug addicts to seek employment.
Instead of just urging society to give rehabilitated drug addicts a second chance, the government should lead by example and provide them suitable jobs in the public sector.
It is the right move for the Home Ministry to initiate discussions with the Public Service Department on the matter.
Presently the Public Service Department cannot accept rehabilitated drug addicts as the General Orders forbids hiring people with criminal records in the civil service.
But it is a matter which can be reconsidered by the Public Service Department, if it wants to, in the interest of assisting the rehabilitated drug addicts reintegrate into society.
Kes Ragut di Bkt Mertajam
Yayasan Pencegahan Jenayah Malaysia (MCPF) terpaksa meluahkan perasaan sedih dan kesal yang teramat terhadap mangsa ragut, Lim See Nya, 58, dari Lunas, Kedah yang telah meninggal dunia akibat di gilis lori selepas jatuh ketika beg tangannya diragut.
Tragedi mangsa ragut terkini ini harus dikecam sekeras-kerasnya oleh seluruh masyarakat Malaysia.
Tragedi seperti ini telah menimpa ramai mangsa ragut yang lain sejak beberapa tahun dahulu dan tidak akan berakhir sekiranya peragut dan penjenayah dibiarkan bebas berkeliaran.
Kejadian seperti ini harus dihentikan. Nyawa adalah kehilangan besar yang tidak ternilai.
MCPF menyarankan supaya Kerajaan menggunakan sepenuh kuasa yang ada untuk mengisytiharkan pembanterasan terhadap peragut dan membawa mereka ke muka keadilan.
Pihak Kerajaan dan pelbagai badan penguatkuasaan undang-undang yang lain termasuk Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) dan badan bukan Kerajaan (NGO) harus bekerjasama dengan satu matlamat serta komitmen untuk memerangi peningkatan peragut yang menjadi perosak di dalam masyarakat.
Pelbagai langkah harus dipertimbangkan untuk dilaksanakan dan ini termasuklah:
a. Pihak polis harus mengadakan lebih ramai anggota dan sumber-sumber untuk menangkap peragut di seluruh negara.
b. Semua PBT harus memperkenalkan inisiatif dan melaksanakan garis panduan di bawah konsep bandar selamat bagi menyediakan ciri-ciri keselamatan seperti membina pengadang untuk membahagikan laluan pejalan kaki dengan jalan raya.
c. Pejalan kaki harus lebih berjaga-jaga terhadap peragut dan mengamalkan garis panduan yang telah disediakan oleh MCPF dan pihak polis dalam mencegah kejadian ragut.
d. Orang awam pula harus bersedia untuk memberikan pertolongan kepada mangsa ragut dengan menangkap penjenayah dan menyerahkan mereka kepada pihak polis.
e. Hukuman yang lebih berat harus dilaksanakan ke atas peragut yang telah disabitkan termasuk hukuman penjara yang mandatori terhadap yang melakukan kesalahan dan mengakibatkan kematian mangsa ragut.
Tragedi mangsa ragut terkini ini harus dikecam sekeras-kerasnya oleh seluruh masyarakat Malaysia.
Tragedi seperti ini telah menimpa ramai mangsa ragut yang lain sejak beberapa tahun dahulu dan tidak akan berakhir sekiranya peragut dan penjenayah dibiarkan bebas berkeliaran.
Kejadian seperti ini harus dihentikan. Nyawa adalah kehilangan besar yang tidak ternilai.
MCPF menyarankan supaya Kerajaan menggunakan sepenuh kuasa yang ada untuk mengisytiharkan pembanterasan terhadap peragut dan membawa mereka ke muka keadilan.
Pihak Kerajaan dan pelbagai badan penguatkuasaan undang-undang yang lain termasuk Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) dan badan bukan Kerajaan (NGO) harus bekerjasama dengan satu matlamat serta komitmen untuk memerangi peningkatan peragut yang menjadi perosak di dalam masyarakat.
Pelbagai langkah harus dipertimbangkan untuk dilaksanakan dan ini termasuklah:
a. Pihak polis harus mengadakan lebih ramai anggota dan sumber-sumber untuk menangkap peragut di seluruh negara.
b. Semua PBT harus memperkenalkan inisiatif dan melaksanakan garis panduan di bawah konsep bandar selamat bagi menyediakan ciri-ciri keselamatan seperti membina pengadang untuk membahagikan laluan pejalan kaki dengan jalan raya.
c. Pejalan kaki harus lebih berjaga-jaga terhadap peragut dan mengamalkan garis panduan yang telah disediakan oleh MCPF dan pihak polis dalam mencegah kejadian ragut.
d. Orang awam pula harus bersedia untuk memberikan pertolongan kepada mangsa ragut dengan menangkap penjenayah dan menyerahkan mereka kepada pihak polis.
e. Hukuman yang lebih berat harus dilaksanakan ke atas peragut yang telah disabitkan termasuk hukuman penjara yang mandatori terhadap yang melakukan kesalahan dan mengakibatkan kematian mangsa ragut.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Mental Health on Law Enforcement
As one who is actively involved in the promotion of good mental health, I am of the view that enforcing the law on attempted suicide as a form of deterrence is not the solution to handling cases of attempted suicides. It is the wrong panacea to deal with what is basically a mental problem which needs counseling and not law enforcement.
I share the response from various Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and the opinion of psychiatrists that using the law to deal with attempted suicide is not going to work. On the contrary it may even aggravate the problem as the victims concerned will be more driven to commit suicide.
It must be remembered that the victims are genuinely in need of help. Those who attempt suicides are in trouble, depressed and are having serious psychiatric disorders. The affected people need emotional support and counseling. Prosecuting them is just unthinkable.
Suicide is an emotional problem which must be sorted out appropriately.
Mental illness is a subject very few people wish to talk about but it is a reality which we have to grapple with. Amok and suicide cases reported in the media from time to time involving mentally sick persons, which are of concern to us, are tragic reminders of another side of life less talked about but nevertheless very real.
It is a reality which must not be overlooked or ignored in our quest to become a fully industrialized nation.
It is estimated that one in four family members is suffering from a mental disorder in Malaysia. Ten to fifteen of the cases are suicidal or could harm other people.
There is growing evidence of the global impact of mental illness. Mental health problems are among the most important contributors to the burden of disease and disability worldwide.
The rapid social change and economic uncertainty arising from globalization will result in an increasing number of people subjected to anxiety, depression and mental stress in relation to their jobs and working lives.
The impact that mental illness inflicts on the workers, their families, workplaces and the community is immense and needs to be addressed.
No country or person is immune to mental disorders and their impact in psychological, social and economic terms is high. Mental health should no longer be ignored in our community. On the contrary it should be given adequate attention in relation to other health problems.
Mental health problems, especially stress-related ones among Malaysians are a matter of serious concern and need to be addressed urgently so that problems like depression, mental illness and psychiatric disorders can be avoided.
In line with this, it might be timely for the government to do more for mental health care and promotion. We need more psychologists and counsellors to provide care and attention.
Promoting mental health requires joint efforts between the government and relevant NGOs as well as volunteers working in unison to promote mental well-being. A comprehensive community mental health programme is therefore needed to encourage the community to be better informed about mental health issues and how they can play an effective role in promoting mental health and helping the mentally ill.
I share the response from various Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and the opinion of psychiatrists that using the law to deal with attempted suicide is not going to work. On the contrary it may even aggravate the problem as the victims concerned will be more driven to commit suicide.
It must be remembered that the victims are genuinely in need of help. Those who attempt suicides are in trouble, depressed and are having serious psychiatric disorders. The affected people need emotional support and counseling. Prosecuting them is just unthinkable.
Suicide is an emotional problem which must be sorted out appropriately.
Mental illness is a subject very few people wish to talk about but it is a reality which we have to grapple with. Amok and suicide cases reported in the media from time to time involving mentally sick persons, which are of concern to us, are tragic reminders of another side of life less talked about but nevertheless very real.
It is a reality which must not be overlooked or ignored in our quest to become a fully industrialized nation.
It is estimated that one in four family members is suffering from a mental disorder in Malaysia. Ten to fifteen of the cases are suicidal or could harm other people.
There is growing evidence of the global impact of mental illness. Mental health problems are among the most important contributors to the burden of disease and disability worldwide.
The rapid social change and economic uncertainty arising from globalization will result in an increasing number of people subjected to anxiety, depression and mental stress in relation to their jobs and working lives.
The impact that mental illness inflicts on the workers, their families, workplaces and the community is immense and needs to be addressed.
No country or person is immune to mental disorders and their impact in psychological, social and economic terms is high. Mental health should no longer be ignored in our community. On the contrary it should be given adequate attention in relation to other health problems.
Mental health problems, especially stress-related ones among Malaysians are a matter of serious concern and need to be addressed urgently so that problems like depression, mental illness and psychiatric disorders can be avoided.
In line with this, it might be timely for the government to do more for mental health care and promotion. We need more psychologists and counsellors to provide care and attention.
Promoting mental health requires joint efforts between the government and relevant NGOs as well as volunteers working in unison to promote mental well-being. A comprehensive community mental health programme is therefore needed to encourage the community to be better informed about mental health issues and how they can play an effective role in promoting mental health and helping the mentally ill.
Stop HIV AIDS
December 1 this year marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Over the past 20 years, World AIDS Day has been established as one of the world’s most successful commemorative days. It is now recognised and observed by millions of people in more than 190 countries around the globe.
The theme STOP AIDS, KEEP THE PROMISE is an appeal to governments, policy-makers and regional health authorities to ensure that they meet the many targets that have been set in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and especially the promise of universal access to HIV treatment, care, support and prevention services by 2010.
This year marks the 22nd year since the first AIDS case was reported in Malaysia. Statistics released by the Ministry of Health recently showed that as of June 2008, a cumulative total of 82,704 HIV infected individuals were reported, of whom 14,133 were notified as AIDS cases and 10,783 have died.
While we have come a long way in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic, more needs to be done as we continue to see more people become infected and more children being left orphaned by this virus.
The Malaysian AIDS Council should be lauded for continuously taking on the lead role within the community to ensure the implementation of effective prevention, treatment and care programme against HIV.
However, this is one battle that cannot be won alone. The fight against HIV/AIDS as has been demonstrated the world over, can only be successful if there is a partnership and collaboration between different parties whether it is in the area of treatment, prevention or care. And no partnership is stronger than close collaboration between the government, corporate sector, NGOs and the community.
We need to re-commit ourselves to the Millennium Development Goal. The MDG is a UN initiative, ratified by all 189 member States of the United Nations in September 2000, for all nations to pursue a set of interconnected development goals by 2015. We are already halfway through the timeframe.
The MDG has 8 goals in all. Malaysia is now vigorously addressing a number of these goals such as eradicating hardcore poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, and ensuring environmental sustainability. However, up to 2006, Malaysia has yet to achieve one important goal, that is, to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS. Without achieving this goal, Malaysia cannot claim to have successfully addressed the deadly disease.
The World AIDS Day celebration today is the perfect platform for us to renew this commitment and to show solidarity for children and adults living with HIV/AIDS as well as to raise awareness on the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, fighting prejudice and improving education.
The theme STOP AIDS, KEEP THE PROMISE is an appeal to governments, policy-makers and regional health authorities to ensure that they meet the many targets that have been set in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and especially the promise of universal access to HIV treatment, care, support and prevention services by 2010.
This year marks the 22nd year since the first AIDS case was reported in Malaysia. Statistics released by the Ministry of Health recently showed that as of June 2008, a cumulative total of 82,704 HIV infected individuals were reported, of whom 14,133 were notified as AIDS cases and 10,783 have died.
While we have come a long way in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic, more needs to be done as we continue to see more people become infected and more children being left orphaned by this virus.
The Malaysian AIDS Council should be lauded for continuously taking on the lead role within the community to ensure the implementation of effective prevention, treatment and care programme against HIV.
However, this is one battle that cannot be won alone. The fight against HIV/AIDS as has been demonstrated the world over, can only be successful if there is a partnership and collaboration between different parties whether it is in the area of treatment, prevention or care. And no partnership is stronger than close collaboration between the government, corporate sector, NGOs and the community.
We need to re-commit ourselves to the Millennium Development Goal. The MDG is a UN initiative, ratified by all 189 member States of the United Nations in September 2000, for all nations to pursue a set of interconnected development goals by 2015. We are already halfway through the timeframe.
The MDG has 8 goals in all. Malaysia is now vigorously addressing a number of these goals such as eradicating hardcore poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, and ensuring environmental sustainability. However, up to 2006, Malaysia has yet to achieve one important goal, that is, to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS. Without achieving this goal, Malaysia cannot claim to have successfully addressed the deadly disease.
The World AIDS Day celebration today is the perfect platform for us to renew this commitment and to show solidarity for children and adults living with HIV/AIDS as well as to raise awareness on the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, fighting prejudice and improving education.
Kesedaran Awam Pendermaan Organ
Melalui statistik, yang diperolehi dari Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional, bilangan tahunan pengikrar penderma organ mengalami aliran turun naik. Sebagai contoh, sejak daftar pengikrar penderma organ dibuka, pada tahun 2000, mencatatkan jumlah pengikrar tahunan tertinggi iaitu sebanyak 16,625 pengikrar. Manakala yang paling rendah adalah pada tahun 1998 iaitu hanya 2,264 pengikrar. Untuk tahun ini, setakat data 31 Oktober 2008 (untuk tahun 2008 sahaja), jumlah pengikrar adalah seramai 10,142 orang pengikrar. Jumlah keseluruhan yang berikrar menjadi Penderma sejak tahun 1997 sehingga kini adalah melebihi 120,900 orang, dimana 60 peratus adalah Orang Cina, 22 peratus Orang India, 12 peratus Orang Melayu dan 3 peratus lain-lain.
Baru-baru ini saya melancarkan KEMPEN MEDIA PENDERMAAAN ORGAN bermatlamat agar mesej mengenai kepentingan dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang Pendermaan Organ dapat disampaikan dengan lebih berkesan dan mampu mencapai tahap audien yang lebih luas. Kempen ini menyasarkan bilangan mereka yang berikrar akan bertambah dan sekurang-kurangnya masyarakat tahu mengenai apa itu yang dimaksudkan dengan pendermaan organ.
Penghasilan bahan-bahan kempen Media Pendermaan Organ yang merangkumi penerbitan komersial di televisyen, radio dan juga di akhbar-akhbar utama ini diharap dapat memberikan impak kesedaran kepada masyarakat umum bahawa masih ramai yang menanti organ untuk mereka meneruskan kehidupan.
Kempen media besar-besaran ini akan berterusan sehingga Februari 2009 dan keberkesanan kempen ini akan dinilai sendiri oleh pihak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia sama ada ianya mampu mengubah persepsi dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang pendermaan organ.
Kes transplantasi organ dan tisu yang dijalankan di Malaysia hanyalah sebanyak 229 kes, sejak tahun 1976 hingga November 2008. Dan untuk tahun ini sahaja, kes yang dikendalikan hanyalah sebanyak 21 kes. Walhal yang menunggu untuk pendermaan organ melebihi 4,000 orang.
Kempen ini memberi tumpuan dan penekanan kepada pendermaan selepas kematian atau pendermaan Kadeverik. Tanpa program pendermaan kadeverik yang berjaya, pesakit-pesakit yang memerlukan jantung, paru-paru, dan mata tidak akan ada harapan.
Bayangkanlah kadar kematian di jalan raya di Negara kita adalah tinggi, 7,000 kematian dicatatkan akibat kemalangan di jalan raya setiap tahun. Jika sekiranya hanya 10 peratus dari jumlah kematian tersebut menderma organ atau tisu, ramai pesakit yang memerlukan tidak perlu menunggu lama untuk mendapatkan transplant mereka dan penderma hidup tidak lagi diperlukan.
Selain untuk meningkatkan bilangan pendaftar, kempen ini juga bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat, sekiranya terjadi kematian, keluarga bersedia untuk menimbangkan pendermaan. Jadi amat mustahak mereka yang ingin menderma selepas kematian memaklumkan niat murni mereka kepada keluarga.
Bilangan penderma Kadaverik dari tahun 1976 sehingga November 2008, seramai 229 orang. Untuk tahun ini sahaja 23 orang penderma kadeverik telah mendermakan 24 buah pinggang, 4 hati, 34 kornea, 11 injap jantung dan 3 set tulang. Tetapi, berdasarkan statistic yang diberikan oleh Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional, jumlah pesakit yang menunggu pendermaan untuk buah pinggang, jantung, paru-paru dan hati adalah seramai 4,181 orang, manakala 6,162 orang lagi sedang dalam penilaian untuk dimasukkan ke program ini.
Sesungguhnya untuk mengajak masyarakat serta memujuk mereka mendaftar sebagai penderma organ bukanlah suatu perkara yang mudah namum ianya bukanlah sesuatu yang mustahil untuk dilakukan. Salah satu cara yang didapati dapat memberikan pulangan yang baik adalah melalui penulisan serta penerbitan mesej yang disebarkan melalui media massa.
Dalam zaman teknologi masa kini, akses untuk mendapatkan maklumat bukan sahaja diperolehi melalui televisyen dan media cetak, malah, penulisan blog dan laman web juga mempunyai audien yang tersendiri. Oleh sebab itu, Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional menghasilkan laman web sendiri agar medium ini dapat menyampaikan maklumat yang lebih terperinci merangkumi pelbagai aspek mengenai penerangan lanjut tentang pendermaan organ, seperti apa itu pendermaan organ, organ dan tisu yang boleh didermakan, siapa yang layak dan sebagainya, serta aktiviti-aktiviti promosi pendermaan organ,dan statistik terkini tentang daftar pengikrar penderma organ, malah melalui laman web ini, pengunjung dapat memuat turun borang pendaftaran untuk menjadi pengikrar penderma organ. Alamat laman web yang dimaksudkan adalah www.agiftoflife.gov.my.
Baru-baru ini saya melancarkan KEMPEN MEDIA PENDERMAAAN ORGAN bermatlamat agar mesej mengenai kepentingan dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang Pendermaan Organ dapat disampaikan dengan lebih berkesan dan mampu mencapai tahap audien yang lebih luas. Kempen ini menyasarkan bilangan mereka yang berikrar akan bertambah dan sekurang-kurangnya masyarakat tahu mengenai apa itu yang dimaksudkan dengan pendermaan organ.
Penghasilan bahan-bahan kempen Media Pendermaan Organ yang merangkumi penerbitan komersial di televisyen, radio dan juga di akhbar-akhbar utama ini diharap dapat memberikan impak kesedaran kepada masyarakat umum bahawa masih ramai yang menanti organ untuk mereka meneruskan kehidupan.
Kempen media besar-besaran ini akan berterusan sehingga Februari 2009 dan keberkesanan kempen ini akan dinilai sendiri oleh pihak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia sama ada ianya mampu mengubah persepsi dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang pendermaan organ.
Kes transplantasi organ dan tisu yang dijalankan di Malaysia hanyalah sebanyak 229 kes, sejak tahun 1976 hingga November 2008. Dan untuk tahun ini sahaja, kes yang dikendalikan hanyalah sebanyak 21 kes. Walhal yang menunggu untuk pendermaan organ melebihi 4,000 orang.
Kempen ini memberi tumpuan dan penekanan kepada pendermaan selepas kematian atau pendermaan Kadeverik. Tanpa program pendermaan kadeverik yang berjaya, pesakit-pesakit yang memerlukan jantung, paru-paru, dan mata tidak akan ada harapan.
Bayangkanlah kadar kematian di jalan raya di Negara kita adalah tinggi, 7,000 kematian dicatatkan akibat kemalangan di jalan raya setiap tahun. Jika sekiranya hanya 10 peratus dari jumlah kematian tersebut menderma organ atau tisu, ramai pesakit yang memerlukan tidak perlu menunggu lama untuk mendapatkan transplant mereka dan penderma hidup tidak lagi diperlukan.
Selain untuk meningkatkan bilangan pendaftar, kempen ini juga bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat, sekiranya terjadi kematian, keluarga bersedia untuk menimbangkan pendermaan. Jadi amat mustahak mereka yang ingin menderma selepas kematian memaklumkan niat murni mereka kepada keluarga.
Bilangan penderma Kadaverik dari tahun 1976 sehingga November 2008, seramai 229 orang. Untuk tahun ini sahaja 23 orang penderma kadeverik telah mendermakan 24 buah pinggang, 4 hati, 34 kornea, 11 injap jantung dan 3 set tulang. Tetapi, berdasarkan statistic yang diberikan oleh Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional, jumlah pesakit yang menunggu pendermaan untuk buah pinggang, jantung, paru-paru dan hati adalah seramai 4,181 orang, manakala 6,162 orang lagi sedang dalam penilaian untuk dimasukkan ke program ini.
Sesungguhnya untuk mengajak masyarakat serta memujuk mereka mendaftar sebagai penderma organ bukanlah suatu perkara yang mudah namum ianya bukanlah sesuatu yang mustahil untuk dilakukan. Salah satu cara yang didapati dapat memberikan pulangan yang baik adalah melalui penulisan serta penerbitan mesej yang disebarkan melalui media massa.
Dalam zaman teknologi masa kini, akses untuk mendapatkan maklumat bukan sahaja diperolehi melalui televisyen dan media cetak, malah, penulisan blog dan laman web juga mempunyai audien yang tersendiri. Oleh sebab itu, Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional menghasilkan laman web sendiri agar medium ini dapat menyampaikan maklumat yang lebih terperinci merangkumi pelbagai aspek mengenai penerangan lanjut tentang pendermaan organ, seperti apa itu pendermaan organ, organ dan tisu yang boleh didermakan, siapa yang layak dan sebagainya, serta aktiviti-aktiviti promosi pendermaan organ,dan statistik terkini tentang daftar pengikrar penderma organ, malah melalui laman web ini, pengunjung dapat memuat turun borang pendaftaran untuk menjadi pengikrar penderma organ. Alamat laman web yang dimaksudkan adalah www.agiftoflife.gov.my.
实达基金会槟城洗肾补贴计划推荐礼
实达基金会主席丹斯里李霖泰透露我国每年将新增加约2，500-3，000名肾脏失去功能的肾脏病人。根据国家肾脏登记的数据，截至2006年已超过14，000名肾脏病人必须接受洗肾的治疗而患病人数仍持续的增长。
众所周知洗肾费用非常昂贵，再加上近来油价上涨而导致的通货膨胀及百物涨价。因此实达基金会准备协助低收入群的肾脏病人， 减轻他们的负担。
每名肾脏病人每次洗肾费用大约是110令吉。如果每个肾脏病人的家庭总收入少过5000令吉，卫生部将另外补贴50令吉给于每个肾脏病人每次的洗肾治疗。所以肾脏病人每次的洗肾治疗费用约60令吉。如果再加上医生指示（依病患的病情而定）的特定药物注射，每个肾脏病人每次洗肾须付费40-60令吉。
而每名肾脏病人每个月必须接受约13次的洗肾治疗。因此，每名肾脏病人每月总共须花费780令吉至1500令吉的洗肾费用。对于一个低收入的家庭，这笔费用是一项沉重的负担。
李氏今日在槟城为实达基金会主持“洗肾治疗补贴计划”推荐礼上表示实达基金会秉承继续协助社会低收入群体，因此每年拨出60万令吉以协助低收入的肾脏病人，以便能够减轻他们的洗肾治疗费用。我们已经在今年9月开始，透过巴生谷的28间非盈利洗肾中心的协助，给予补贴援助急需协助的低收入肾脏病人。
李氏表示成功得到该援助计划的肾脏病人，实达基金会将会每月补贴他们500令吉，以减轻他们洗肾费用的负担。因此，实达基金会每年拨出12万令吉在槟城推行这项能够协助低收入肾脏病人的补贴计划，当中共有11间非盈利洗肾中心参与我们的补贴计划。过后，我们亦将在南马柔佛推行这项计划。
实达基金会将持续维护基金会的任务与宗旨，以便协助更多的社区援助计划、不分种族的帮助低收入群，并努力提升社会福利以便我国能够迈向一个关怀与爱心的社会。
众所周知洗肾费用非常昂贵，再加上近来油价上涨而导致的通货膨胀及百物涨价。因此实达基金会准备协助低收入群的肾脏病人， 减轻他们的负担。
每名肾脏病人每次洗肾费用大约是110令吉。如果每个肾脏病人的家庭总收入少过5000令吉，卫生部将另外补贴50令吉给于每个肾脏病人每次的洗肾治疗。所以肾脏病人每次的洗肾治疗费用约60令吉。如果再加上医生指示（依病患的病情而定）的特定药物注射，每个肾脏病人每次洗肾须付费40-60令吉。
而每名肾脏病人每个月必须接受约13次的洗肾治疗。因此，每名肾脏病人每月总共须花费780令吉至1500令吉的洗肾费用。对于一个低收入的家庭，这笔费用是一项沉重的负担。
李氏今日在槟城为实达基金会主持“洗肾治疗补贴计划”推荐礼上表示实达基金会秉承继续协助社会低收入群体，因此每年拨出60万令吉以协助低收入的肾脏病人，以便能够减轻他们的洗肾治疗费用。我们已经在今年9月开始，透过巴生谷的28间非盈利洗肾中心的协助，给予补贴援助急需协助的低收入肾脏病人。
李氏表示成功得到该援助计划的肾脏病人，实达基金会将会每月补贴他们500令吉，以减轻他们洗肾费用的负担。因此，实达基金会每年拨出12万令吉在槟城推行这项能够协助低收入肾脏病人的补贴计划，当中共有11间非盈利洗肾中心参与我们的补贴计划。过后，我们亦将在南马柔佛推行这项计划。
实达基金会将持续维护基金会的任务与宗旨，以便协助更多的社区援助计划、不分种族的帮助低收入群，并努力提升社会福利以便我国能够迈向一个关怀与爱心的社会。
Launching Heamodialysis Programme in Penang on 9 Dec 2008
S P Setia Foundation launches Haemodialysis Treatment Subsidy Programme in Penang. Pledges RM120,000 annually to kidney patients in low income families
Speech by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
Salutations
Thank you for coming to this simple yet meaningful event. Health is a commodity that is much sought after as without it, one’s life can be hampered in many ways. Imagine if one suffered from something like kidney failure and the only way to continue leading a normal life is to go through periodic medical treatment.
These medical treatment may be as frequent as three time a week and is not cheap. For many, being diagnosed with a medical condition that requires periodic treatment may seem daunting, more so when one does not earn much and has to support a family.
Ladies and gentlemen
Every year, between 2,500 to 3,000 Malaysians are diagnosed with kidney failure and have to undergo haemodialysis treatment to lead a normal life. On average, a haemodialysis patient can spend between RM750 to RM1,500 a month on treatment, depending on how severe the condition is.
With escalating costs of living, this is a hefty sum for many low income families. This is where S P Setia Foundation sees itself playing an active role. The Foundation has always been sensitive to the needs of Malaysians who require medical assistance and who find it difficult to pay for their treatment.
This year, the Foundation has made a commitment to lend a hand to kidney failure patients from low income families by subsidizing their treatment. The programme was launched in August with a pledge of RM600,000 yearly to help poor patients in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor. The reason why these three states were chosen is because S P Setia Bhd has a strong presence here.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today, it costs a haemodialysis patient RM110 per treatment at a non-profit haemodialysis centre. For those with a household income of less than RM5,000, the Ministry of Health provides a subsidy of RM50 for each treatment, which works out to RM60 for each haemodialysis session.
On average, a kidney patient needs to undergo three treatments a week which amounts to RM780 per month. There are other circumstances which require additional treatment which can come up to RM1,500 a month.
This is indeed a hefty sum for a low income family, which is why the Foundation has deemed it fit to start a subsidy programme for haemodialysis patients in need.
I am pleased to announce that after the Klang Valley, we are now pledging support in the sum of RM120,000 yearly for kidney failure patients in Penang. We have identified 11 haemodialysis centres run by NGOs where we will subsidise RM500 a month for each patient to be paid directly to the centre.
Ladies and gentlemen.
We see our contribution as a small gesture in assisting kidney patients who find it increasingly difficult to pay for rising medical costs. If we can help them in any way to lead a normal life, we would have achieved part of the Foundation’s mission statement.
We can only aim to understand what it is like to face such challenges everyday and any little way that the Foundation can contribute to make these patients’ lives more comfortable is something that we are proud to do.
Thank you.
Speech by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
Salutations
Thank you for coming to this simple yet meaningful event. Health is a commodity that is much sought after as without it, one’s life can be hampered in many ways. Imagine if one suffered from something like kidney failure and the only way to continue leading a normal life is to go through periodic medical treatment.
These medical treatment may be as frequent as three time a week and is not cheap. For many, being diagnosed with a medical condition that requires periodic treatment may seem daunting, more so when one does not earn much and has to support a family.
Ladies and gentlemen
Every year, between 2,500 to 3,000 Malaysians are diagnosed with kidney failure and have to undergo haemodialysis treatment to lead a normal life. On average, a haemodialysis patient can spend between RM750 to RM1,500 a month on treatment, depending on how severe the condition is.
With escalating costs of living, this is a hefty sum for many low income families. This is where S P Setia Foundation sees itself playing an active role. The Foundation has always been sensitive to the needs of Malaysians who require medical assistance and who find it difficult to pay for their treatment.
This year, the Foundation has made a commitment to lend a hand to kidney failure patients from low income families by subsidizing their treatment. The programme was launched in August with a pledge of RM600,000 yearly to help poor patients in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor. The reason why these three states were chosen is because S P Setia Bhd has a strong presence here.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today, it costs a haemodialysis patient RM110 per treatment at a non-profit haemodialysis centre. For those with a household income of less than RM5,000, the Ministry of Health provides a subsidy of RM50 for each treatment, which works out to RM60 for each haemodialysis session.
On average, a kidney patient needs to undergo three treatments a week which amounts to RM780 per month. There are other circumstances which require additional treatment which can come up to RM1,500 a month.
This is indeed a hefty sum for a low income family, which is why the Foundation has deemed it fit to start a subsidy programme for haemodialysis patients in need.
I am pleased to announce that after the Klang Valley, we are now pledging support in the sum of RM120,000 yearly for kidney failure patients in Penang. We have identified 11 haemodialysis centres run by NGOs where we will subsidise RM500 a month for each patient to be paid directly to the centre.
Ladies and gentlemen.
We see our contribution as a small gesture in assisting kidney patients who find it increasingly difficult to pay for rising medical costs. If we can help them in any way to lead a normal life, we would have achieved part of the Foundation’s mission statement.
We can only aim to understand what it is like to face such challenges everyday and any little way that the Foundation can contribute to make these patients’ lives more comfortable is something that we are proud to do.
Thank you.
Drug abuse at Workplace
The escalating abuse of drug and other psychoactive substances has become a major global concern necessitating a comprehensive response and a collaborative and participatory partnership approach from all segments of society.
Business and community collaboration is at the heart of such a participatory and partnership approach. The individual workplace mirrors these problems as a result of the deteriorating health of workers, absenteeism, work accidents and other increased safety risks.
Today the economic and human costs of substance abuse in the workplace is costing businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and health care costs. Drug addiction is no longer a rich nation’s problem or a poor man’s affliction.
It transcends national, ethnic, religious, class and gender lines. Addicts range from the rich to the poor, the homeless to blue and white-collar workers, students, rural farmers, urban employees and street children.
In addiction to wreaking havoc on the lives of addicts and their families, drug addiction is creating a myriad of new problems for communities such as increased crime and violence, the emergence of various social ills and the deterioration of the social fabric, as well as the spread of drug-related diseases such AIDS and Hepatitis.
Drug abuse is a threat and poses devastating effects on workplaces. Many work-related accidents, injuries, illness, absenteeism, non-productivity and poor quality of production are linked to drug abuse.
The need to ensure that workplaces are free from drug abuse is obvious. Drug use has been found to contribute to workplace accidents, absenteeism, medical claims and compensation claims. Poor productivity, high staff turnover and criminal involvement have been found arising from the use of alcohol and drug abuse.
Collaborative efforts between the government, the private sector and NGOs are needed to overcome drug abuse problem at the workplace and keep the workforce productive and healthy for economic development and improved quality of life.
There is a need to develop a drug-free workplace policy to benefit both employers and employees such as to provide for job security in respect of employees and productivity and profitability for the employers.
All companies should have a health and safety policy and every effort should be made to ensure workplace drug abuse prevention programmes be made an integral part of activities for occupational safety and health.
I believe the best way to address the drug abuse problem at the workplace is through the implementation of the following Six-Point Programme:-
i. Management commitment and leadership to work towards a drug-free workplace.
ii. Drug free workplace policy and committee to operationalise the activities of a drug-free workplace programme.
iii. Employee education and awareness programme on the specific dangers of drug abuse and why the workforce should be free from drugs.
iv. Drug screening programme to detect drug abuse at workplaces.
v. Treatment referral to enable employers to assist employees.
Who are drug users to seek help, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation instead of dismissing them and making them a threat to the community?
vi. Corporate sector involvement to provide sponsorship to help credible NGOs in carrying out sustained anti-drug campaigns at the community level.
Business and community collaboration is at the heart of such a participatory and partnership approach. The individual workplace mirrors these problems as a result of the deteriorating health of workers, absenteeism, work accidents and other increased safety risks.
Today the economic and human costs of substance abuse in the workplace is costing businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and health care costs. Drug addiction is no longer a rich nation’s problem or a poor man’s affliction.
It transcends national, ethnic, religious, class and gender lines. Addicts range from the rich to the poor, the homeless to blue and white-collar workers, students, rural farmers, urban employees and street children.
In addiction to wreaking havoc on the lives of addicts and their families, drug addiction is creating a myriad of new problems for communities such as increased crime and violence, the emergence of various social ills and the deterioration of the social fabric, as well as the spread of drug-related diseases such AIDS and Hepatitis.
Drug abuse is a threat and poses devastating effects on workplaces. Many work-related accidents, injuries, illness, absenteeism, non-productivity and poor quality of production are linked to drug abuse.
The need to ensure that workplaces are free from drug abuse is obvious. Drug use has been found to contribute to workplace accidents, absenteeism, medical claims and compensation claims. Poor productivity, high staff turnover and criminal involvement have been found arising from the use of alcohol and drug abuse.
Collaborative efforts between the government, the private sector and NGOs are needed to overcome drug abuse problem at the workplace and keep the workforce productive and healthy for economic development and improved quality of life.
There is a need to develop a drug-free workplace policy to benefit both employers and employees such as to provide for job security in respect of employees and productivity and profitability for the employers.
All companies should have a health and safety policy and every effort should be made to ensure workplace drug abuse prevention programmes be made an integral part of activities for occupational safety and health.
I believe the best way to address the drug abuse problem at the workplace is through the implementation of the following Six-Point Programme:-
i. Management commitment and leadership to work towards a drug-free workplace.
ii. Drug free workplace policy and committee to operationalise the activities of a drug-free workplace programme.
iii. Employee education and awareness programme on the specific dangers of drug abuse and why the workforce should be free from drugs.
iv. Drug screening programme to detect drug abuse at workplaces.
v. Treatment referral to enable employers to assist employees.
Who are drug users to seek help, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation instead of dismissing them and making them a threat to the community?
vi. Corporate sector involvement to provide sponsorship to help credible NGOs in carrying out sustained anti-drug campaigns at the community level.
Pencegahan dan Membasmi Jenayah
Jenayah dan ketakutan kepada jenayah telah menimbulkan suatu isu yang menjadi kebimbangan utama rakyat Malaysia pada masa kini.
Dalam keadaan situasi ekonomi yang tidak menentu serta isu kemasukan pendatang haram, bilangan kejadian jenayah boleh meningkat.
Ini merupakan suatu waktu yang mencabar kepada pihak polis sebagai penguatkuasa undang-undang dan mereka harus berusaha sedaya upaya untuk membenteras jenayah dan melindungi orang awam.
Yayasan Pencegahan Jenayah Malaysia (MCPF) adalah sangat bimbang tentang kejadian jenayah dan menyeru orang awam sering berhati-hati dan memainkan peranan yang lebih proaktif untuk menangani jenayah.
Kejadian jenayah memberi kesan terhadap keselamatan warga Malaysia dan ketakutan kepada jenayah adalah merupakan suatu ancaman ke atas kesejahteraan komuniti.
Jenayah hari ini memberi kesan serius ke atas orang ramai tanpa mengira kaum dan jantina. Oleh sebab itu, inilah masanya bagi setiap rakyat Malaysia bertegas dalam kesungguhan mereka membenteras jenayah. Membenteras jenayah bermula dengan kesedaran setiap individu untuk mencegah jenayah.
MCPF telah menganjurkan secara aktif kempen kesedaran pencegahan dan mencetak 1 juta risalah dalam 4 bahasa menasihati orang awam bagaimana mereka dapat mengikuti apa yang selamat dan menjauhi apa yang bahaya dalam pencegahan jenayah.
Secara ringkasnya, orang awam haruslah sentiasa BERWASPADA; tidak mengambil ringan tentang keselamatan; tidak menyediakan peluang dan ruang untuk jenayah berlaku dan meningkatkan kesedaran tentang pencegahan jenayah.
Oleh kerana kejadian jenayah berlaku berterusan dan kenyataan bahawa pihak penguatkuasa undang-undang bersendirian tidak mampu mengatasi masalah tersebut, pihak kerajaan perlu mengadakan polisi dan program sosial yang berkesan untuk mengekang dan membasmi kejadian jenayah.
Dalam hubungan ini isu-isu mengenai kemelesetan ekonomi, pengangguran, pendatang tanpa izin dan lain-lain perlu ditangani dengan berkesan.
Walau bagaimanapun, kerajaan memerlukan penglibatan orang lain seperti peniaga, penduduk, ahli professional dan orang awam untuk membantu mereka dalam membenteras jenayah.
Oleh yang demikian, pembuat polisi, ahli akademik dan lain-lain peringkat dalam masyarakat perlu menyahut cabaran ini dan menjadikan bandar, kota dan komuniti mereka selamat dan sejahtera untuk semua penduduk.
Sehubungan dengan ini, usaha yang berterusan harus dilakukan untuk mengurangkan jenayah, menghilangkan ketakutan dan mewujudkan Bandar dan kota di mana ekonomi perniagaan dan masyakarat dapat subur.
Agenda untuk mengawal dan mencegah jenayah memerlukan usaha sinergi, terancang dan berterusan daripada orang ramai. Orang ramai mempunyai peranan dan fungsi dalam usaha menangani jenayah.
Orang awam perlu diberi kesedaran bahawa tanggungjawab memerangi jenayah adalah tanggungjawab bersama. Sejak penubuhannya, MCPF terlibat secara aktif di dalam kempen kesedaran dengan berbagai organisasi yang berteraskan masyarakat untuk membantu meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai keperluan untuk tidak mengambil ringan keselamatan mereka tetapi sebaliknya menyertai aktiviti-aktiviti secara aktif untuk memerangi jenayah.
Melalui projek inisiatif Bandar dan kejiranan selamat, MCPF berharap dapat melibatkan penyertaan semua lapisan masyarakat di dalam mendidik orang ramai mengenai apa yang mereka perlu lakukan untuk mengelak kejadian jenayah.
Dalam keadaan situasi ekonomi yang tidak menentu serta isu kemasukan pendatang haram, bilangan kejadian jenayah boleh meningkat.
Ini merupakan suatu waktu yang mencabar kepada pihak polis sebagai penguatkuasa undang-undang dan mereka harus berusaha sedaya upaya untuk membenteras jenayah dan melindungi orang awam.
Yayasan Pencegahan Jenayah Malaysia (MCPF) adalah sangat bimbang tentang kejadian jenayah dan menyeru orang awam sering berhati-hati dan memainkan peranan yang lebih proaktif untuk menangani jenayah.
Kejadian jenayah memberi kesan terhadap keselamatan warga Malaysia dan ketakutan kepada jenayah adalah merupakan suatu ancaman ke atas kesejahteraan komuniti.
Jenayah hari ini memberi kesan serius ke atas orang ramai tanpa mengira kaum dan jantina. Oleh sebab itu, inilah masanya bagi setiap rakyat Malaysia bertegas dalam kesungguhan mereka membenteras jenayah. Membenteras jenayah bermula dengan kesedaran setiap individu untuk mencegah jenayah.
MCPF telah menganjurkan secara aktif kempen kesedaran pencegahan dan mencetak 1 juta risalah dalam 4 bahasa menasihati orang awam bagaimana mereka dapat mengikuti apa yang selamat dan menjauhi apa yang bahaya dalam pencegahan jenayah.
Secara ringkasnya, orang awam haruslah sentiasa BERWASPADA; tidak mengambil ringan tentang keselamatan; tidak menyediakan peluang dan ruang untuk jenayah berlaku dan meningkatkan kesedaran tentang pencegahan jenayah.
Oleh kerana kejadian jenayah berlaku berterusan dan kenyataan bahawa pihak penguatkuasa undang-undang bersendirian tidak mampu mengatasi masalah tersebut, pihak kerajaan perlu mengadakan polisi dan program sosial yang berkesan untuk mengekang dan membasmi kejadian jenayah.
Dalam hubungan ini isu-isu mengenai kemelesetan ekonomi, pengangguran, pendatang tanpa izin dan lain-lain perlu ditangani dengan berkesan.
Walau bagaimanapun, kerajaan memerlukan penglibatan orang lain seperti peniaga, penduduk, ahli professional dan orang awam untuk membantu mereka dalam membenteras jenayah.
Oleh yang demikian, pembuat polisi, ahli akademik dan lain-lain peringkat dalam masyarakat perlu menyahut cabaran ini dan menjadikan bandar, kota dan komuniti mereka selamat dan sejahtera untuk semua penduduk.
Sehubungan dengan ini, usaha yang berterusan harus dilakukan untuk mengurangkan jenayah, menghilangkan ketakutan dan mewujudkan Bandar dan kota di mana ekonomi perniagaan dan masyakarat dapat subur.
Agenda untuk mengawal dan mencegah jenayah memerlukan usaha sinergi, terancang dan berterusan daripada orang ramai. Orang ramai mempunyai peranan dan fungsi dalam usaha menangani jenayah.
Orang awam perlu diberi kesedaran bahawa tanggungjawab memerangi jenayah adalah tanggungjawab bersama. Sejak penubuhannya, MCPF terlibat secara aktif di dalam kempen kesedaran dengan berbagai organisasi yang berteraskan masyarakat untuk membantu meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai keperluan untuk tidak mengambil ringan keselamatan mereka tetapi sebaliknya menyertai aktiviti-aktiviti secara aktif untuk memerangi jenayah.
Melalui projek inisiatif Bandar dan kejiranan selamat, MCPF berharap dapat melibatkan penyertaan semua lapisan masyarakat di dalam mendidik orang ramai mengenai apa yang mereka perlu lakukan untuk mengelak kejadian jenayah.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Social Ills
Looking at the numerous social ills besetting our Nation, it is becoming more evident that the role of the family institution needs to be given greater emphasis in addressing these social problems.
Malaysians need to be constantly reminded on the importance of the family’s role not only in tackling social ills but also in national development.
What is most fundamental is to strengthen the family institution as the core of a healthy and stable society in the fight against social and moral decay.
Moral decay is caused by the erosion of moral and ethical values which can only be overcome not by laws or regulations but by upgrading the quality of family life with emphasis on discipline and good moral behaviour.
Parents must be increasingly concerned about the quality of family life and must constantly take steps to inculcate in their children the basic moral values needed to build the foundation of strong, stable, cohesive and ethical-conscious society.
My view has always been that economic growth must be balanced by social and moral development for I believe the yardstick to growth is a balance between economic growth and moral well-being.
It is meaningless to have dynamic economic growth with improved living standards and per capita income when the moral values, quality of life and family development do not grow proportionately.
Family development and family empowerment are essential in the upbringing of children, educating and guiding them to grow up as useful and positive citizens to take on the challenges of nation-building.
The power and potential of the family in the fight against social ills afflicting our nation’s youth is much greater and more meaningful than all the might of all the enforcement agencies we can muster to tackle our social problems.
For while law enforcement is essential, more important still is our ability to deny our homes and communities access to social problems through the strength and the power of the family.
Empowering the families to undertake the tasks and responsibilities towards tackling social problems must include inter alia the inculcation of parenting skills and motivating families to be interested and involved in the development of their children.
Parents must equip themselves with proper skills to cope with the changes in the family institution and the quality of life as a result of the country’s rapid economic development.
The attitude and value system that a family adopts forms the basis of a strong, stable and happy family.
Positive family values have to be instilled and nurtured in all members of the family to ensure that children can grow up with good habits and character-building values to face the multifarious challenges of the future.
Families as the most reverted units of our communities must be developed and made strong to resist succumbing to social ills.
If our nation’s social and moral issues cannot be effectively addressed, we will encounter major and serious obstacles in achieving Vision 2020.
The aim of Vision 2020 is not only to make Malaysia a fully industrialized nation in the economic sense but also to ensure it is fully developed from all dimensions particularly from the moral, ethical and caring aspects.
We must also be fully developed in terms of national unity and social cohesion, in terms of social justice, political stability, quality of life including family life, social and spiritual values and above all, national pride and confidence.
Malaysians need to be constantly reminded on the importance of the family’s role not only in tackling social ills but also in national development.
What is most fundamental is to strengthen the family institution as the core of a healthy and stable society in the fight against social and moral decay.
Moral decay is caused by the erosion of moral and ethical values which can only be overcome not by laws or regulations but by upgrading the quality of family life with emphasis on discipline and good moral behaviour.
Parents must be increasingly concerned about the quality of family life and must constantly take steps to inculcate in their children the basic moral values needed to build the foundation of strong, stable, cohesive and ethical-conscious society.
My view has always been that economic growth must be balanced by social and moral development for I believe the yardstick to growth is a balance between economic growth and moral well-being.
It is meaningless to have dynamic economic growth with improved living standards and per capita income when the moral values, quality of life and family development do not grow proportionately.
Family development and family empowerment are essential in the upbringing of children, educating and guiding them to grow up as useful and positive citizens to take on the challenges of nation-building.
The power and potential of the family in the fight against social ills afflicting our nation’s youth is much greater and more meaningful than all the might of all the enforcement agencies we can muster to tackle our social problems.
For while law enforcement is essential, more important still is our ability to deny our homes and communities access to social problems through the strength and the power of the family.
Empowering the families to undertake the tasks and responsibilities towards tackling social problems must include inter alia the inculcation of parenting skills and motivating families to be interested and involved in the development of their children.
Parents must equip themselves with proper skills to cope with the changes in the family institution and the quality of life as a result of the country’s rapid economic development.
The attitude and value system that a family adopts forms the basis of a strong, stable and happy family.
Positive family values have to be instilled and nurtured in all members of the family to ensure that children can grow up with good habits and character-building values to face the multifarious challenges of the future.
Families as the most reverted units of our communities must be developed and made strong to resist succumbing to social ills.
If our nation’s social and moral issues cannot be effectively addressed, we will encounter major and serious obstacles in achieving Vision 2020.
The aim of Vision 2020 is not only to make Malaysia a fully industrialized nation in the economic sense but also to ensure it is fully developed from all dimensions particularly from the moral, ethical and caring aspects.
We must also be fully developed in terms of national unity and social cohesion, in terms of social justice, political stability, quality of life including family life, social and spiritual values and above all, national pride and confidence.
卫生部捐献器官教育委员会宣传媒体运动
卫生部捐献器官教育委员会主席丹斯里李霖泰今日透露近年来志愿捐献器官者的人数逐年增加，因此卫生部拨出2百40万令吉推广捐献器官运动。通过捐献器官运动，向公众人士宣扬与灌输有关捐献器官的意义与知识。
根据全国器官捐献中心的资料显示，全国志愿捐献器官的公众人士正逐年增加。1998年全年只有2，264名志愿捐献者，而今年10月31日止，全国志愿捐献器官者人数已经达到1万142名。从1997年至今，超过12万名人士已经向有关当局登记成为志愿捐献器官者。当中女性的志愿捐献器官者人数比较多约有60%，男性的则有约40%。
从1976年至今，我国只进行了227宗器官与细胞移植手术；今年只进行21宗移植而已，而我国有超过4千多人正等待捐献器官。
因此，捐献器官教育委员会与全国器官捐献中心通过全国各语文报章、电子媒体、非政府组织与各宗教团体等向公众人士推广与灌输捐献器官的重要性，让社会人士醒觉目前我国仍然有许多人士等待移植器官，以延续他们的生命。
由于时代的进步与互联网的普及，我们设立了一个志愿捐献器官网站；公众人士可以上网获取有关器官捐献的咨讯与各种活动。如果他们有兴趣成为志愿捐献器官者，可以下载有关的表格，填写登记成为志愿捐献器官者。
不过，李氏劝请他们填妥表格后，必须将他们欲成为志愿捐献器官者的消息告诉他们的家人，让家属清楚知道他们的决定，以避免日后造成的麻烦。有关当局将会按时更新最新的资料供公众人士游览。有关的网址是www.agiftoflife.gov.my.
根据全国器官捐献中心的资料显示，全国志愿捐献器官的公众人士正逐年增加。1998年全年只有2，264名志愿捐献者，而今年10月31日止，全国志愿捐献器官者人数已经达到1万142名。从1997年至今，超过12万名人士已经向有关当局登记成为志愿捐献器官者。当中女性的志愿捐献器官者人数比较多约有60%，男性的则有约40%。
从1976年至今，我国只进行了227宗器官与细胞移植手术；今年只进行21宗移植而已，而我国有超过4千多人正等待捐献器官。
因此，捐献器官教育委员会与全国器官捐献中心通过全国各语文报章、电子媒体、非政府组织与各宗教团体等向公众人士推广与灌输捐献器官的重要性，让社会人士醒觉目前我国仍然有许多人士等待移植器官，以延续他们的生命。
由于时代的进步与互联网的普及，我们设立了一个志愿捐献器官网站；公众人士可以上网获取有关器官捐献的咨讯与各种活动。如果他们有兴趣成为志愿捐献器官者，可以下载有关的表格，填写登记成为志愿捐献器官者。
不过，李氏劝请他们填妥表格后，必须将他们欲成为志愿捐献器官者的消息告诉他们的家人，让家属清楚知道他们的决定，以避免日后造成的麻烦。有关当局将会按时更新最新的资料供公众人士游览。有关的网址是www.agiftoflife.gov.my.
UCAPAN MAJLIS PERASMIAN KEMPEN MEDIA PENDERMAAN ORGAN 2008-2009
UCAPAN TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
PENGERUSI JAWATANKUASA BERTINDAK KESEDARAN AWAM PENDERMAAN ORGAN SEMPENA
MAJLIS PERASMIAN KEMPEN MEDIA PENDERMAAN ORGAN 2008-2009
DI HOTEL HOSPITAL KUALA LUMPUR
PADA 22 NOVEMBER 2008
Yang saya muliakan Pengerusi Majlis,
Yang Berusaha Ketua-Ketua Jabatan,
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri-Tan Sri, Dato’-Dato’, Datin-Datin,
Para NGO,
Rakan-rakan Media, dan
Tuan-tuan dan Puan-puan hadirin yang dihormati sekalian.
1. Selamat pagi dan salam sejahtera. Terlebih dahulu izinkanlah saya merakamkan ucapan terima kasih kepada Jawatankuasa Penganjur, Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional kerana sudi menjemput saya menghadiri majlis yang cukup bermakna pada pagi ini dan seterusnya menyampaikan ucapan dan menyempurnakan MAJLIS TIGA DALAM SATU ini iaitu, perasmian Kempen Media Pendermaan Organ, Laman Web serta Logo Korporat Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional.
2. Saya mewakili JAWATANKUASA BERTINDAK KESEDARAN AWAM PENDERMAAN ORGAN di bawah Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia untuk mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada semua pihak, termasuk pihak TOP Team Hospital-Hospital, dan NGO kerana selama ini telah bersama-sama menyokong program pendermaan organ untuk menyelamatkan dan memberikan harapan kepada mereka yang memerlukan.
3. Hadirin yang saya hormati sekalian. Secara umumnya pihak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia melalui Bahagian Pendidikan Kesihatan, dan Bahagian Perkembangan Kesihatan, melalui Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional telah banyak menyelaras aktiviti-aktiviti kesedaran serta promosi Kempen Pendermaan Organ di Malaysia. Program-program ini diberikan sokongan yang padu bukan sahaja dikalangan kakitangan hospital sendiri malah kerjasama dan sokongan turut diberikan oleh pihak swasta serta badan-badan bukan kerajaan.
Mereka memainkan peranan yang penting dalam memastikan dan meningkatkan tahap kesedaran masyarakat mengenai kebaikan dan kemurnian pendermaan organ. Dan oleh sebab itu bilangan mereka yang berikrar untuk menjadi penderma organ meningkat dari tahun ke tahun.
4. Media memainkan peranan yang penting dalam menyampaikan maklumat kepada masyarakat tentang sesuatu perkara dengan jelas. Keberkesanan dan kemampuan media dalam menyampaikan maklumat kepada audien yang luas dan pelbagai latar belakang tidak dapat dinafikan.
Oleh yang demikian, pihak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia memperuntukan sebanyak RM2.4 juta untuk menjadikan Kempen Media Pendermaan Organ ini satu kenyataan. Kempen ini menyasarkan bilangan mereka yang berikrar akan bertambah dan sekurang-kurangnya masyarakat tahu mengenai apa itu yang dimaksudkan dengan pendermaan organ.
5. Dalam hubungan ini, KEMPEN MEDIA PENDERMAAAN ORGAN bermatlamat agar mesej mengenai kepentingan dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang Pendermaan Organ dapat disampaikan dengan lebih berkesan dan mampu mencapai tahap audien yang lebih luas.
Penghasilan bahan-bahan kempen Media Pendermaan Organ yang merangkumi penerbitan komersial di televisyen, radio dan juga di akhbar-akhbar utama ini diharap dapat memberikan impak kesedaran kepada masyarakat umum bahawa masih ramai yang menanti organ untuk mereka meneruskan kehidupan.
Kempen media besar-besaran ini akan berterusan sehingga Februari 2009 dan keberkesanan kempen ini akan dinilai sendiri oleh pihak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia sama ada ianya mampu mengubah persepsi dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang pendermaan organ.
6. Melalui statistik, yang diperolehi dari Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional, bilangan tahunan pengikrar penderma organ mengalami aliran turun naik. Sebagai contoh, sejak daftar pengikrar penderma organ dibuka, pada tahun 2000, mencatatkan jumlah pengikrar tahunan tertinggi iaitu sebanyak 16,625 pengikrar. Manakala yang paling rendah adalah pada tahun 1998 iaitu hanya 2,264 pengikrar. Untuk tahun ini, setakat data 31 Oktober 2008 (untuk tahun 2008 sahaja), jumlah pengikrar adalah seramai 10,142 orang pengikrar. Jumlah keseluruhan yang berikrar menjadi Penderma sejak tahun 1997 sehingga kini adalah melebihi 120,900 orang, dimana 60 peratus adalah Orang Cina, 22 peratus Orang India, 12 peratus Orang Melayu dan 3 peratus lain-lain.
Untuk makluman, kes transplantasi organ dan tisu yang dijalankan di Malaysia hanyalah sebanyak 227 kes, sejak tahun 1976 hingga 31 Oktober 2008. Dan untuk tahun ini sahaja, kes yang dikendalikan hanyalah sebanyak 21 kes. Walhal yang menunggu untuk pendermaan organ melebihi 4,000 orang.
Untuk makluman semua, kempen ini memberi tumpuan dan penekanan kepada pendermaan selepas kematian. Tanpa program pendermaan kadeverik yang berjaya, pesakit-pesakit yang memerlukan jantung, paru-paru, dan mata tidak akan ada harapan.
Umpamanya, kadar kematian di jalan raya di Negara kita adalah tinggi, 7,000 kematian dicatatkan akibat kemalangan di jalan raya setiap tahun. Jika sekiranya hanya 10 peratus dari jumlah kematian tersebut menderma organ atau tisu, ramai pesakit yang memerlukan tidak perlu menunggu lama untuk mendapatkan transplant mereka dan penderma hidup tidak lagi diperlukan. Selain untuk meningkatkan bilangan pendaftar, kempen ini juga bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat, sekiranya terjadi kematian, keluarga bersedia untuk menimbangkan pendermaan. Jadi amat mustahak mereka yang ingin menderma selepas kematian memaklumkan niat murni mereka kepada keluarga.
Bilangan penderma Kadaverik dari tahun 1976 sehingga November, seramai 229 orang. Untuk tahun ini sahaja 23 orang penderma kadeverik telah mendermakan 24 buah pinggang, 4 hati, 34 kornea, 11 injap jantung dan 3 set tulang. Tetapi, berdasarkan statistic yang diberikan oleh Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional, jumlah pesakit yang menunggu pendermaan untuk buah pinggang, jantung, paru-paru dan hati adalah seramai 4,181 orang, manakala 6,162 orang lagi sedang dalam penilaian untuk dimasukkan ke program ini.
7. Yang Berbahagia, Dato-Dato, Datin-Datin, Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekalian, sesungguhnya untuk mengajak masyarakat serta memujuk mereka mendaftar sabagai penderma organ bukanlah suatu tanggungjawab yang mudah namum perkara ini bukanlah sesuatu yang mustahil untuk dilakukan. Salah satu cara yang didapati dapat memberikan pulangan yang baik adalah melalui penulisan serta penerbitan mesej yang disebarkan melalui media massa. Peribahasa Cina ada menyatakan:
Jika saya dengar, saya lupa,
Jika saya lihat saya ingat,
Jika saya buat saya tahu.
Kombinasi ketiga-tiga pernyataan ini adalah cara yang paling berkesan dalam menyalurkan pendidikan kesihatan kepada masyarakat. Idea, fakta dan pengetahuan boleh disalurkan sama ada secara audio, iaitu melalui pendengaran atau visual iaitu melalui pandangan serta pembacaan, tetapi kombinasi kedua-duanya termasuk penyertaan daripada masyarakat sendiri dapat menghasilkan keputusan yang paling baik. Inilah yang diharapkan melalui kempen ini agar mesej-mesej berkaitan pendermaan organ dapat menggalakkan penyertaan masyarakat umum.
8. Hadirin sekalian, dalam zaman teknologi masa kini, akses untuk mendapatkan maklumat bukan sahaja diperolehi melalui televisyen dan media cetak, malah, penulisan blog dan laman web juga mempunyai audien yang tersendiri. Oleh sebab itu, Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional menghasilkan laman web sendiri agar medium ini dapat menyampaikan maklumat yang lebih terperinci merangkumi pelbagai aspek mengenai penerangan lanjut tentang pendermaan organ, seperti apa itu pendermaan organ, organ dan tisu yang boleh didermakan, siapa yang layak dan sebagainya, serta aktiviti-aktiviti promosi pendermaan organ,dan statistik terkini tentang daftar pengikrar penderma organ, malah melalui laman web ini, pengunjung dapat memuat turun borang pendaftaran untuk menjadi pengikrar penderma organ. Saya juga dijelaskan bahawa laman web ini juga mempunyai akses khas kepada pegawai-pegawai perubatan. Oleh yang demikian, ianya boleh dijadikan sebagai sumber bahan rujukan kepada para pegawai perubatan berkenaan mngenai pendermaan organ. Alamat laman web yang dimaksudkan adalah www.agiftoflife.gov.my.
9. Hadirin yang saya hormati sekalian. Untuk makluman semua, National Transplan Resource Centre atau Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional merupakan satu jabatan di bawah Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia yang berpusat di Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Ia adalah satu jabatan yang memberikan khidmat penerangan, serta menyelaras program promosi kesedaran kepada orang ramai mengenai pendermaan organ dan transplantasi di Malaysia.
Selain dari itu, ia juga bertindak sebagai pusat pendaftaran pengikrar pendermaan organ serta menyelaraskan kes pendermaan organ di Malaysia. Oleh yang demikian, semua daftar pengikrar penderma organ di Malaysia di kemaskini dan disimpan di Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional yang secara rasminya ditubuhkan pada 1 November 1997 di Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
10. Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekalian, selaras dengan misi Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional itu sendiri iaitu untuk mendapatkan seramai mungkin bakal-bakal penderma yang berpotensi untuk menyelamatkan pesakit-pesakit yang kegagalan fungsi organ yang kritikal. Logo korporat Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional yang akan dilancarkan bermotifkan burung merpati sedang membawa riben hijau dengan slogan “A Gift of Life” melambangkan kesucian harapan yang dibawa melaui pendermaan organ sebagai satu anugerah kehidupan kepada yang memerlukan.
11. Hadirin sekalian, saya bagi pihak mewakili Jawatankuasa Bertindak Kesedaran Pendermaan Organ ingin merakamkan ucapan terima kasih kepada semua khasnya kepada NGO yang melibatkan diri secara aktif dalam membantu menjalankan Kempen Pendermaan Organ diseluruh Negara. Saya berharap melalui pelancaran 3 perkara ini, Program Pendermaan Organ akan mendapat tempat dan kesedaran pada masyarakat umum. Saya juga menyeru kepada semua, agar terus memainkan peranan aktif untuk kita sama-sama membantu meningkatkan tahap kesedaran masyarakat tentang pendermaan organ. Semoga dengan penglibatan kondusif yang murni ini sedikit sebanyak dapat membantu dan memberikan pengharapan kepada mereka yang memerlukan untuk meneruskan kehidupan.
12. Sebelum saya mengakhiri ucapan ini suka saya untuk mendeklamasikan sebuah sajak bertajuk Berapa Lama Usia Kita untuk renungan,
BERAPA LAMA USIA KITA?
Terhitungkah kita
Sesuatu yang bernama usia
Oleh tahun yang silih berganti
Atau sekadar tinggalan jasa dan bakti.
Apakah benar
Andainya usia kehidupan
Bias dihitung
Oleh jiwa yang didukung jasad
Pada tubuh yang hidup
Membawa bersama roh dan kemegahan
Menerima anugerah yang paling besar
Kehidupan dan pengharapan
Andai harus di hitung
Jarak masa suatu usia
Tiada tilik noktah
Apakala ia menjadi penyambung kehidupan
Kepadanya sang pemberi
Dan yang menerima pemberian yang tidak ternilai
Anugerah pengharapan dan kehidupan
13. Akhirkata, saya dengan sukacitanya merasmikan, Laman Web dan Logo Korporat Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional serta Kempen Media Pendermaan Organ tahun 2008 – 2009. Sekian, terima kasih.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
PENGERUSI JAWATANKUASA BERTINDAK KESEDARAN AWAM PENDERMAAN ORGAN
PENGERUSI JAWATANKUASA BERTINDAK KESEDARAN AWAM PENDERMAAN ORGAN SEMPENA
MAJLIS PERASMIAN KEMPEN MEDIA PENDERMAAN ORGAN 2008-2009
DI HOTEL HOSPITAL KUALA LUMPUR
PADA 22 NOVEMBER 2008
Yang saya muliakan Pengerusi Majlis,
Yang Berusaha Ketua-Ketua Jabatan,
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri-Tan Sri, Dato’-Dato’, Datin-Datin,
Para NGO,
Rakan-rakan Media, dan
Tuan-tuan dan Puan-puan hadirin yang dihormati sekalian.
1. Selamat pagi dan salam sejahtera. Terlebih dahulu izinkanlah saya merakamkan ucapan terima kasih kepada Jawatankuasa Penganjur, Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional kerana sudi menjemput saya menghadiri majlis yang cukup bermakna pada pagi ini dan seterusnya menyampaikan ucapan dan menyempurnakan MAJLIS TIGA DALAM SATU ini iaitu, perasmian Kempen Media Pendermaan Organ, Laman Web serta Logo Korporat Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional.
2. Saya mewakili JAWATANKUASA BERTINDAK KESEDARAN AWAM PENDERMAAN ORGAN di bawah Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia untuk mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada semua pihak, termasuk pihak TOP Team Hospital-Hospital, dan NGO kerana selama ini telah bersama-sama menyokong program pendermaan organ untuk menyelamatkan dan memberikan harapan kepada mereka yang memerlukan.
3. Hadirin yang saya hormati sekalian. Secara umumnya pihak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia melalui Bahagian Pendidikan Kesihatan, dan Bahagian Perkembangan Kesihatan, melalui Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional telah banyak menyelaras aktiviti-aktiviti kesedaran serta promosi Kempen Pendermaan Organ di Malaysia. Program-program ini diberikan sokongan yang padu bukan sahaja dikalangan kakitangan hospital sendiri malah kerjasama dan sokongan turut diberikan oleh pihak swasta serta badan-badan bukan kerajaan.
Mereka memainkan peranan yang penting dalam memastikan dan meningkatkan tahap kesedaran masyarakat mengenai kebaikan dan kemurnian pendermaan organ. Dan oleh sebab itu bilangan mereka yang berikrar untuk menjadi penderma organ meningkat dari tahun ke tahun.
4. Media memainkan peranan yang penting dalam menyampaikan maklumat kepada masyarakat tentang sesuatu perkara dengan jelas. Keberkesanan dan kemampuan media dalam menyampaikan maklumat kepada audien yang luas dan pelbagai latar belakang tidak dapat dinafikan.
Oleh yang demikian, pihak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia memperuntukan sebanyak RM2.4 juta untuk menjadikan Kempen Media Pendermaan Organ ini satu kenyataan. Kempen ini menyasarkan bilangan mereka yang berikrar akan bertambah dan sekurang-kurangnya masyarakat tahu mengenai apa itu yang dimaksudkan dengan pendermaan organ.
5. Dalam hubungan ini, KEMPEN MEDIA PENDERMAAAN ORGAN bermatlamat agar mesej mengenai kepentingan dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang Pendermaan Organ dapat disampaikan dengan lebih berkesan dan mampu mencapai tahap audien yang lebih luas.
Penghasilan bahan-bahan kempen Media Pendermaan Organ yang merangkumi penerbitan komersial di televisyen, radio dan juga di akhbar-akhbar utama ini diharap dapat memberikan impak kesedaran kepada masyarakat umum bahawa masih ramai yang menanti organ untuk mereka meneruskan kehidupan.
Kempen media besar-besaran ini akan berterusan sehingga Februari 2009 dan keberkesanan kempen ini akan dinilai sendiri oleh pihak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia sama ada ianya mampu mengubah persepsi dan kesedaran masyarakat tentang pendermaan organ.
6. Melalui statistik, yang diperolehi dari Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional, bilangan tahunan pengikrar penderma organ mengalami aliran turun naik. Sebagai contoh, sejak daftar pengikrar penderma organ dibuka, pada tahun 2000, mencatatkan jumlah pengikrar tahunan tertinggi iaitu sebanyak 16,625 pengikrar. Manakala yang paling rendah adalah pada tahun 1998 iaitu hanya 2,264 pengikrar. Untuk tahun ini, setakat data 31 Oktober 2008 (untuk tahun 2008 sahaja), jumlah pengikrar adalah seramai 10,142 orang pengikrar. Jumlah keseluruhan yang berikrar menjadi Penderma sejak tahun 1997 sehingga kini adalah melebihi 120,900 orang, dimana 60 peratus adalah Orang Cina, 22 peratus Orang India, 12 peratus Orang Melayu dan 3 peratus lain-lain.
Untuk makluman, kes transplantasi organ dan tisu yang dijalankan di Malaysia hanyalah sebanyak 227 kes, sejak tahun 1976 hingga 31 Oktober 2008. Dan untuk tahun ini sahaja, kes yang dikendalikan hanyalah sebanyak 21 kes. Walhal yang menunggu untuk pendermaan organ melebihi 4,000 orang.
Untuk makluman semua, kempen ini memberi tumpuan dan penekanan kepada pendermaan selepas kematian. Tanpa program pendermaan kadeverik yang berjaya, pesakit-pesakit yang memerlukan jantung, paru-paru, dan mata tidak akan ada harapan.
Umpamanya, kadar kematian di jalan raya di Negara kita adalah tinggi, 7,000 kematian dicatatkan akibat kemalangan di jalan raya setiap tahun. Jika sekiranya hanya 10 peratus dari jumlah kematian tersebut menderma organ atau tisu, ramai pesakit yang memerlukan tidak perlu menunggu lama untuk mendapatkan transplant mereka dan penderma hidup tidak lagi diperlukan. Selain untuk meningkatkan bilangan pendaftar, kempen ini juga bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat, sekiranya terjadi kematian, keluarga bersedia untuk menimbangkan pendermaan. Jadi amat mustahak mereka yang ingin menderma selepas kematian memaklumkan niat murni mereka kepada keluarga.
Bilangan penderma Kadaverik dari tahun 1976 sehingga November, seramai 229 orang. Untuk tahun ini sahaja 23 orang penderma kadeverik telah mendermakan 24 buah pinggang, 4 hati, 34 kornea, 11 injap jantung dan 3 set tulang. Tetapi, berdasarkan statistic yang diberikan oleh Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional, jumlah pesakit yang menunggu pendermaan untuk buah pinggang, jantung, paru-paru dan hati adalah seramai 4,181 orang, manakala 6,162 orang lagi sedang dalam penilaian untuk dimasukkan ke program ini.
7. Yang Berbahagia, Dato-Dato, Datin-Datin, Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekalian, sesungguhnya untuk mengajak masyarakat serta memujuk mereka mendaftar sabagai penderma organ bukanlah suatu tanggungjawab yang mudah namum perkara ini bukanlah sesuatu yang mustahil untuk dilakukan. Salah satu cara yang didapati dapat memberikan pulangan yang baik adalah melalui penulisan serta penerbitan mesej yang disebarkan melalui media massa. Peribahasa Cina ada menyatakan:
Jika saya dengar, saya lupa,
Jika saya lihat saya ingat,
Jika saya buat saya tahu.
Kombinasi ketiga-tiga pernyataan ini adalah cara yang paling berkesan dalam menyalurkan pendidikan kesihatan kepada masyarakat. Idea, fakta dan pengetahuan boleh disalurkan sama ada secara audio, iaitu melalui pendengaran atau visual iaitu melalui pandangan serta pembacaan, tetapi kombinasi kedua-duanya termasuk penyertaan daripada masyarakat sendiri dapat menghasilkan keputusan yang paling baik. Inilah yang diharapkan melalui kempen ini agar mesej-mesej berkaitan pendermaan organ dapat menggalakkan penyertaan masyarakat umum.
8. Hadirin sekalian, dalam zaman teknologi masa kini, akses untuk mendapatkan maklumat bukan sahaja diperolehi melalui televisyen dan media cetak, malah, penulisan blog dan laman web juga mempunyai audien yang tersendiri. Oleh sebab itu, Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional menghasilkan laman web sendiri agar medium ini dapat menyampaikan maklumat yang lebih terperinci merangkumi pelbagai aspek mengenai penerangan lanjut tentang pendermaan organ, seperti apa itu pendermaan organ, organ dan tisu yang boleh didermakan, siapa yang layak dan sebagainya, serta aktiviti-aktiviti promosi pendermaan organ,dan statistik terkini tentang daftar pengikrar penderma organ, malah melalui laman web ini, pengunjung dapat memuat turun borang pendaftaran untuk menjadi pengikrar penderma organ. Saya juga dijelaskan bahawa laman web ini juga mempunyai akses khas kepada pegawai-pegawai perubatan. Oleh yang demikian, ianya boleh dijadikan sebagai sumber bahan rujukan kepada para pegawai perubatan berkenaan mngenai pendermaan organ. Alamat laman web yang dimaksudkan adalah www.agiftoflife.gov.my.
9. Hadirin yang saya hormati sekalian. Untuk makluman semua, National Transplan Resource Centre atau Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional merupakan satu jabatan di bawah Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia yang berpusat di Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Ia adalah satu jabatan yang memberikan khidmat penerangan, serta menyelaras program promosi kesedaran kepada orang ramai mengenai pendermaan organ dan transplantasi di Malaysia.
Selain dari itu, ia juga bertindak sebagai pusat pendaftaran pengikrar pendermaan organ serta menyelaraskan kes pendermaan organ di Malaysia. Oleh yang demikian, semua daftar pengikrar penderma organ di Malaysia di kemaskini dan disimpan di Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional yang secara rasminya ditubuhkan pada 1 November 1997 di Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
10. Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekalian, selaras dengan misi Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional itu sendiri iaitu untuk mendapatkan seramai mungkin bakal-bakal penderma yang berpotensi untuk menyelamatkan pesakit-pesakit yang kegagalan fungsi organ yang kritikal. Logo korporat Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional yang akan dilancarkan bermotifkan burung merpati sedang membawa riben hijau dengan slogan “A Gift of Life” melambangkan kesucian harapan yang dibawa melaui pendermaan organ sebagai satu anugerah kehidupan kepada yang memerlukan.
11. Hadirin sekalian, saya bagi pihak mewakili Jawatankuasa Bertindak Kesedaran Pendermaan Organ ingin merakamkan ucapan terima kasih kepada semua khasnya kepada NGO yang melibatkan diri secara aktif dalam membantu menjalankan Kempen Pendermaan Organ diseluruh Negara. Saya berharap melalui pelancaran 3 perkara ini, Program Pendermaan Organ akan mendapat tempat dan kesedaran pada masyarakat umum. Saya juga menyeru kepada semua, agar terus memainkan peranan aktif untuk kita sama-sama membantu meningkatkan tahap kesedaran masyarakat tentang pendermaan organ. Semoga dengan penglibatan kondusif yang murni ini sedikit sebanyak dapat membantu dan memberikan pengharapan kepada mereka yang memerlukan untuk meneruskan kehidupan.
12. Sebelum saya mengakhiri ucapan ini suka saya untuk mendeklamasikan sebuah sajak bertajuk Berapa Lama Usia Kita untuk renungan,
BERAPA LAMA USIA KITA?
Terhitungkah kita
Sesuatu yang bernama usia
Oleh tahun yang silih berganti
Atau sekadar tinggalan jasa dan bakti.
Apakah benar
Andainya usia kehidupan
Bias dihitung
Oleh jiwa yang didukung jasad
Pada tubuh yang hidup
Membawa bersama roh dan kemegahan
Menerima anugerah yang paling besar
Kehidupan dan pengharapan
Andai harus di hitung
Jarak masa suatu usia
Tiada tilik noktah
Apakala ia menjadi penyambung kehidupan
Kepadanya sang pemberi
Dan yang menerima pemberian yang tidak ternilai
Anugerah pengharapan dan kehidupan
13. Akhirkata, saya dengan sukacitanya merasmikan, Laman Web dan Logo Korporat Pusat Sumber Transplan Nasional serta Kempen Media Pendermaan Organ tahun 2008 – 2009. Sekian, terima kasih.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
PENGERUSI JAWATANKUASA BERTINDAK KESEDARAN AWAM PENDERMAAN ORGAN
实达基金会主席丹斯里李霖泰在移交一辆救护车给马来西亚雪兰莪州班底区圣约翰救伤队仪式之演讲词
今天是一个值得纪念的日子，实达基金会正式移交期待已久的新救护车给马来西亚圣约翰救伤队。这辆新的救护车将是第17辆救护车和第33辆交通工具。实达基金会主席丹斯里李霖泰表示实达基金会很高兴因为该基金会的贡献已让该组织能够提供更好地服务于广大的公众。
在过去30年，圣约翰救伤队已在巴生河流域提供24小时紧急救护服务予当地居民，并已成为在巴生河流域最大的救护车服务。今年年初实达基金会第一次与圣约翰救伤队接触时，该组织提出要求一辆新的救护车。原因是老年救护车需要逐步淘汰，因为它们的维持费很高，已经不实际了。
我们毫不犹豫地积极回应圣约翰救伤队的要求；这正是实达基金会一贯支持提供医疗援助以满足各阶层人士的宗旨，不管是残疾、贫困或病危。
除了通过我们的实达学生领养计划，其中规定基本的教育需求给贫困的小学生，该基金会还积极提供财政援助给各种福利，教育和医疗事业。多年来，许多非营利组织、福利机构、慈善团体和贫困个人都受益于实达基金会的慈善事业。
李氏表示圣约翰救伤队该组织提供24小时医疗援助确实是一个非常崇高的要求，它符合我们的基金会的坚定目标，因此前来援助他们。
我很高兴地了解到，圣约翰救伤队在雪兰莪州的救护服务又向前迈进了一步，并推出全州救护车服务；该救护车服务将包括来自其他地区如八打灵再也、加影和士拉央，而总部则设在巴生。因此我代表实达基金会真诚的希望，我们贡献了RM185 ， 000的费用，提供一辆新的救护车及其配件将协助圣约翰继续为人民的服务。
在过去30年，圣约翰救伤队已在巴生河流域提供24小时紧急救护服务予当地居民，并已成为在巴生河流域最大的救护车服务。今年年初实达基金会第一次与圣约翰救伤队接触时，该组织提出要求一辆新的救护车。原因是老年救护车需要逐步淘汰，因为它们的维持费很高，已经不实际了。
我们毫不犹豫地积极回应圣约翰救伤队的要求；这正是实达基金会一贯支持提供医疗援助以满足各阶层人士的宗旨，不管是残疾、贫困或病危。
除了通过我们的实达学生领养计划，其中规定基本的教育需求给贫困的小学生，该基金会还积极提供财政援助给各种福利，教育和医疗事业。多年来，许多非营利组织、福利机构、慈善团体和贫困个人都受益于实达基金会的慈善事业。
李氏表示圣约翰救伤队该组织提供24小时医疗援助确实是一个非常崇高的要求，它符合我们的基金会的坚定目标，因此前来援助他们。
我很高兴地了解到，圣约翰救伤队在雪兰莪州的救护服务又向前迈进了一步，并推出全州救护车服务；该救护车服务将包括来自其他地区如八打灵再也、加影和士拉央，而总部则设在巴生。因此我代表实达基金会真诚的希望，我们贡献了RM185 ， 000的费用，提供一辆新的救护车及其配件将协助圣约翰继续为人民的服务。
Speech in conjunction with the donation of an ambulance to St. John Ambulance Malaysia, Kawasan Pantai Selangor
Today marks a memorable day for S P Setia Foundation and St. John Ambulance Malaysia as we officially hand over the much awaited new ambulance to the organization.
This new ambulance will be their 17th ambulance and 33rd in their fleet of vehicles and the Foundation is gratified in knowing that its contribution has resulted in the organization being able to better serve the public at large.
Over the last three decades, St. John Ambulance has been offering 24-hours Emergency Ambulance Service to residents in the Klang Valley and has grown to be the largest ambulance service provider in the Klang Valley.
S P Setia Foundation was first approached by St. John Ambulance earlier this year when the organization made a request for a new ambulance due to the fact that a couple of the older ambulances needed to be phased out as the cost of maintaining these vehicles were no longer at a practical level.
We did not hesitate to respond positively to this request as the Foundation has always been supportive of providing medical assistance to meet the needs of Malaysians who are disabled, poverty stricken or critically ill.
Apart from our Setia Adoption Programme which provides for the basic educational needs of poor primary school pupils, the Foundation is also active in the provision of financial assistance to various general welfare, education and medical causes.
Over the years, many non-profit organizations, welfare bodies, charitable groups, voluntary outfits and needy individuals have benefited from the philanthropy of the S P Setia Foundation.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Coming to the aid of St. John, an organization that provides 24-hour medical assistance was indeed a very noble calling and it is in line with our Foundation’s objective.
I am pleased to understand that St John Ambulance Selangor is taking its ambulance service a step further, launching a state-wide ambulance service that will encompass ambulances from other districts like Petaling Jaya, North and South Kajang, and Selayang with the core centre based in Klang.
I sincerely hope that our contribution of RM185,000 towards the cost of a new vehicle and its customised fittings will assist St. John to continue with its valued service to the public.
I would also like to convey my heartfelt wishes to the staff of St. John for their continued dedication in serving those in need.
Your steadfastness in upholding your service to mankind is something that is truly admired and I wish you all the best.
Thank you and have a good day.
This new ambulance will be their 17th ambulance and 33rd in their fleet of vehicles and the Foundation is gratified in knowing that its contribution has resulted in the organization being able to better serve the public at large.
Over the last three decades, St. John Ambulance has been offering 24-hours Emergency Ambulance Service to residents in the Klang Valley and has grown to be the largest ambulance service provider in the Klang Valley.
S P Setia Foundation was first approached by St. John Ambulance earlier this year when the organization made a request for a new ambulance due to the fact that a couple of the older ambulances needed to be phased out as the cost of maintaining these vehicles were no longer at a practical level.
We did not hesitate to respond positively to this request as the Foundation has always been supportive of providing medical assistance to meet the needs of Malaysians who are disabled, poverty stricken or critically ill.
Apart from our Setia Adoption Programme which provides for the basic educational needs of poor primary school pupils, the Foundation is also active in the provision of financial assistance to various general welfare, education and medical causes.
Over the years, many non-profit organizations, welfare bodies, charitable groups, voluntary outfits and needy individuals have benefited from the philanthropy of the S P Setia Foundation.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Coming to the aid of St. John, an organization that provides 24-hour medical assistance was indeed a very noble calling and it is in line with our Foundation’s objective.
I am pleased to understand that St John Ambulance Selangor is taking its ambulance service a step further, launching a state-wide ambulance service that will encompass ambulances from other districts like Petaling Jaya, North and South Kajang, and Selayang with the core centre based in Klang.
I sincerely hope that our contribution of RM185,000 towards the cost of a new vehicle and its customised fittings will assist St. John to continue with its valued service to the public.
I would also like to convey my heartfelt wishes to the staff of St. John for their continued dedication in serving those in need.
Your steadfastness in upholding your service to mankind is something that is truly admired and I wish you all the best.
Thank you and have a good day.
Speech by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye at the Presentation of Vocational Service Awards by the Rotary Club of Kelana Jaya at Sheraton Subang
I wish to thank President of the Rotary Club of KELANA JAYA David Goh and the Organising Committee for inviting me as the Guest of Honour at your VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARD 2008.
I have been informed that this very meaningful event has been organised to recognize various community, social and NGO activists who are CARE GIVERS and have rendered time, effort and love to take care of the very old, terminally-ill, spastic children and others who need care and attention.
These CARE GIVERS have been nominated by several nursing homes, associations and NGOs – numbering about twenty-seven in all - for having proven their humane dedication to serve the terminally-ill, needy and others.
As a past recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, I wish to compliment the Rotary Club of Kelana Jaya for its many contributions to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill, peace and harmony.
Promoting high ethical standard in business and professional life is part of Rotary’s second avenue of service that is VOCATIONAL SERVICE.
The fact that Rotary not only award the professionals but also the CARE GIVERS from various NGOs, voluntary bodies and welfare homes is a clear recognition of your timeless, selflessness and yeoman service to society in the service of mankind.
I have worked in the areas of crime prevention, occupational safety and various social issues. In the course of my work I have come across many many compassionate Malaysians who never fail to lend a hand, give a thought, do a deed and lace life with meanings for the less fortunate.
I pay tribute to these selfless and committed CARE GIVERS and social workers who have been working tirelessly behind the scene to provide care and love to the terminally-ill, the disabled and many other unfortunate ones in our community.
They have played pivotal roles in giving meaning to a CARING SOCIETY.
These dedicated and committed CARE GIVERS should be apply described as the UNSUNG HEROES and they are the ones who we are honouring today by recognizing their contributions through the Rotary Club of Kelana Jaya VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARDS. CONGRATULATIONS.
In conclusion let me state we must not be a society of selfishness, of greed, madly pursuing material wealth, but a caring one. We have to build communities imbued with cooperation and a caring spirit, moral awareness, social consciousness, psychological balance and spiritual enlightenment.
I have been informed that this very meaningful event has been organised to recognize various community, social and NGO activists who are CARE GIVERS and have rendered time, effort and love to take care of the very old, terminally-ill, spastic children and others who need care and attention.
These CARE GIVERS have been nominated by several nursing homes, associations and NGOs – numbering about twenty-seven in all - for having proven their humane dedication to serve the terminally-ill, needy and others.
As a past recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, I wish to compliment the Rotary Club of Kelana Jaya for its many contributions to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill, peace and harmony.
Promoting high ethical standard in business and professional life is part of Rotary’s second avenue of service that is VOCATIONAL SERVICE.
The fact that Rotary not only award the professionals but also the CARE GIVERS from various NGOs, voluntary bodies and welfare homes is a clear recognition of your timeless, selflessness and yeoman service to society in the service of mankind.
I have worked in the areas of crime prevention, occupational safety and various social issues. In the course of my work I have come across many many compassionate Malaysians who never fail to lend a hand, give a thought, do a deed and lace life with meanings for the less fortunate.
I pay tribute to these selfless and committed CARE GIVERS and social workers who have been working tirelessly behind the scene to provide care and love to the terminally-ill, the disabled and many other unfortunate ones in our community.
They have played pivotal roles in giving meaning to a CARING SOCIETY.
These dedicated and committed CARE GIVERS should be apply described as the UNSUNG HEROES and they are the ones who we are honouring today by recognizing their contributions through the Rotary Club of Kelana Jaya VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARDS. CONGRATULATIONS.
In conclusion let me state we must not be a society of selfishness, of greed, madly pursuing material wealth, but a caring one. We have to build communities imbued with cooperation and a caring spirit, moral awareness, social consciousness, psychological balance and spiritual enlightenment.
Speech by the Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye when launching the Charity Dinner Show by RCKL Diraja
Let me at the outset congratulate the RCKL DiRaja for initiating yet another CHARITY PROJECT in aid of the Taman Megah Home for Disabled and under privileged children working together with the Inner Wheel Club of KL, Your Friendly Entertainer Sdn Bhd and Toniq Creative Management Sdn Bhd.
As one of the past recipients of the Paul Harris Fellow Award and an Honorary Member of the RCKL DiRaja, it is indeed my privilege to associate myself with another philanthropic event so ably carried out by fellow Rotarians and Inner Wheelers.
I am pleased to note that your charity event is in line with the recent call by the Rotary International President to Rotarians to use their resources to help curb child mortality around the world.
Through this project to help the Taman Megah Home for Disabled and under-privileged children the RCKL DiRaja is responding to the RI theme for 2008-2009 which is “MAKE DREAMS REAL” for the world’s children.
The RCKL DiRaja can take pride in the fact that it had successfully embarked upon various charity and community projects over the past 80 years ranging from the establishment of the Sungai Buloh leprosarium, the first Blood Bank, formation of Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis to the setting up of the Rotary Training Institute for Carers of the Handicapped.
RCKL DiRaja also initiated the idea of the Outward Bound School, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It sponsored the Malaysian Zoological Society and National Zoo, Diabetes Association, donated a Mobile library, a Mobile Eye Clinic and a Mobile Blood Donor's van. The club also contributed to the Selangor & FT Spastic Children's Association Building and many other projects.
Tonight I wish to talk a little about the importance of the philanthropic spirit and a caring culture.
Civilization and progress are not to be measured only by the gross national product and technological capacity.
They are also measured by the development of the human conscience and its response when faced by the facts of human sufferings, the denial of human needs and the violation of human rights.
A caring society reflects a vision of a nation, in which the welfare of the people will revolve not around the state or the individual but around a strong and resilient family system.
A caring society, in my view, is one, which attaches great importance to the development of the human being – the human being who is imbued with compassion, understanding, a sense of justice and a generous attitude.
These are essential ingredients for creating a caring society in which all will have their rightful place. To reach this goal, it is essential for society to recognize the inherent values of each individual.
Every person should have the right to develop his/her potential to the fullest and lead a fulfilling lifestyle.
While it is essential to strive for a caring society in line with the seventh challenge of Vision 2020, it must be emphasized here that such a society must be developed and fostered not only for the purpose of our national vision but for the sake of the poor, the needy and the less fortunate who are found in every society however affluent and progressive it may be.
In the pursuit of success in their respective fields, affluent Malaysians must not lose the human touch and forget about helping the needy and the poor.
They must never become so caught up in the race for success that they lose all interest beyond their personal interests and rewards.
No amount of money can substitute this essential human touch, without which progress and prosperity become meaningless.
I need to emphasise here that the progress and maturity of a society is not measured by the GDP ringgit and technological wizardry alone, but also by its sense of responsibility, spirit of generosity and the importance it places on the dignity and well-being of its less fortunate members.
While it is gratifying to note that by and large Malaysians are generous, I feel more could be done by the affluent to help the poor and the less fortunate.
More could and should be done by more fortunate Malaysians either individually or collectively to help build a caring culture and a caring society which is vital for the attainment of united and harmonious nation in line with Vision 2020.
I have always maintained that there must be a total effort and a national commitment to help build a concerned and caring society based on mutual help and understanding.
There is a need for an enduring caring culture, and efforts to instill into each and everyone a caring attitude, a feeling for humanity, the poor and the needy and a care for his or her less fortunate human being.
The spontaneous outpouring of sympathy and offers of practical help by the public in response to several tragedies in the country involving human lives and the continuing financial support given to charitable causes are evidence of the caring attitude of Malaysians.
Our caring efforts should be intensified in the days ahead and steps must be taken to further instill in the young a sense of being caring and concerned for our needy fellow human beings.
When discussing the subject of a caring society, one cannot ignore the important role of voluntarism and philanthropy in contributing towards the realization of a caring society.
Tonight’s charity event stands as a shining example of what Rotarians can do as volunteers and philanthropists in the service of mankind.
As one of the past recipients of the Paul Harris Fellow Award and an Honorary Member of the RCKL DiRaja, it is indeed my privilege to associate myself with another philanthropic event so ably carried out by fellow Rotarians and Inner Wheelers.
I am pleased to note that your charity event is in line with the recent call by the Rotary International President to Rotarians to use their resources to help curb child mortality around the world.
Through this project to help the Taman Megah Home for Disabled and under-privileged children the RCKL DiRaja is responding to the RI theme for 2008-2009 which is “MAKE DREAMS REAL” for the world’s children.
The RCKL DiRaja can take pride in the fact that it had successfully embarked upon various charity and community projects over the past 80 years ranging from the establishment of the Sungai Buloh leprosarium, the first Blood Bank, formation of Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis to the setting up of the Rotary Training Institute for Carers of the Handicapped.
RCKL DiRaja also initiated the idea of the Outward Bound School, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It sponsored the Malaysian Zoological Society and National Zoo, Diabetes Association, donated a Mobile library, a Mobile Eye Clinic and a Mobile Blood Donor's van. The club also contributed to the Selangor & FT Spastic Children's Association Building and many other projects.
Tonight I wish to talk a little about the importance of the philanthropic spirit and a caring culture.
Civilization and progress are not to be measured only by the gross national product and technological capacity.
They are also measured by the development of the human conscience and its response when faced by the facts of human sufferings, the denial of human needs and the violation of human rights.
A caring society reflects a vision of a nation, in which the welfare of the people will revolve not around the state or the individual but around a strong and resilient family system.
A caring society, in my view, is one, which attaches great importance to the development of the human being – the human being who is imbued with compassion, understanding, a sense of justice and a generous attitude.
These are essential ingredients for creating a caring society in which all will have their rightful place. To reach this goal, it is essential for society to recognize the inherent values of each individual.
Every person should have the right to develop his/her potential to the fullest and lead a fulfilling lifestyle.
While it is essential to strive for a caring society in line with the seventh challenge of Vision 2020, it must be emphasized here that such a society must be developed and fostered not only for the purpose of our national vision but for the sake of the poor, the needy and the less fortunate who are found in every society however affluent and progressive it may be.
In the pursuit of success in their respective fields, affluent Malaysians must not lose the human touch and forget about helping the needy and the poor.
They must never become so caught up in the race for success that they lose all interest beyond their personal interests and rewards.
No amount of money can substitute this essential human touch, without which progress and prosperity become meaningless.
I need to emphasise here that the progress and maturity of a society is not measured by the GDP ringgit and technological wizardry alone, but also by its sense of responsibility, spirit of generosity and the importance it places on the dignity and well-being of its less fortunate members.
While it is gratifying to note that by and large Malaysians are generous, I feel more could be done by the affluent to help the poor and the less fortunate.
More could and should be done by more fortunate Malaysians either individually or collectively to help build a caring culture and a caring society which is vital for the attainment of united and harmonious nation in line with Vision 2020.
I have always maintained that there must be a total effort and a national commitment to help build a concerned and caring society based on mutual help and understanding.
There is a need for an enduring caring culture, and efforts to instill into each and everyone a caring attitude, a feeling for humanity, the poor and the needy and a care for his or her less fortunate human being.
The spontaneous outpouring of sympathy and offers of practical help by the public in response to several tragedies in the country involving human lives and the continuing financial support given to charitable causes are evidence of the caring attitude of Malaysians.
Our caring efforts should be intensified in the days ahead and steps must be taken to further instill in the young a sense of being caring and concerned for our needy fellow human beings.
When discussing the subject of a caring society, one cannot ignore the important role of voluntarism and philanthropy in contributing towards the realization of a caring society.
Tonight’s charity event stands as a shining example of what Rotarians can do as volunteers and philanthropists in the service of mankind.
Public Services
NIOSH Chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye today called on all government department and agencies as well as the private sector to adopt and implement a culture of maintenance and efficient service in line with the principle of integrity so that public convenience and safety will always be assured.
One of the many issues of public concern is how to develop a strong maintenance culture in Malaysia in the interest of public safety and convenience.
Malaysia is known as a country which prides itself in the provision of First World infrastructure but not in terms of its maintenance of these infrastructure.
Incidences of defects and breakdown in new government buildings and infrastructures are still fresh in our minds. Problems of such nature are embarrassing and for too serious to be ignored.
These unpleasant occurrences are a reflection of a Malaysian malaise clearly manifested in inferior quality work, poor execution, inept management, poor maintenance and lack of ethics.
What is at stake is not only the question of ethics but also the issue of Safety and Health at work. The occurrence of collapsing structure in buildings is an issue affecting health and safety at work which must not be overlooked.
All workplaces, whether private or government, with more than 40 or more employees are required by law (the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994) to establish safety and health committees at the workplace to discuss and implement accident prevention or OSH programmes at the workplaces.
It is time for everyone to curb the Malaysian malaise of inferior quality work, poor execution, inept management and poor maintenance.
The comment that Malaysia is a case of a country “having First World infrastructure but Third World Mentality” is very true when it comes to the practice of maintenance.
Maintenance and service has never been the country’s forte. We are good at providing state-of-the-art buildings and equipment but when it comes to maintaining them and making them function properly we have many shortcomings and weaknesses.
Poor maintenance of public buildings and infrastructures can lead to accidents and injuries. Public toilets which are not properly maintained can cause public inconveniences. Children’s playgrounds poorly maintained can also result in accidents and injuries. Roads and public drains not properly maintained can also cause flash floods.
All authorities and every Malaysian must imbibe the culture of strong maintenance and make it a way of life. Let us not have first world infrastructure but a third class mentality.
Improving a country’s image is not only the responsibility of the government but also the duty of each citizen who must be civic-minded.
Despite Malaysia’s success in economic development, we have not succeeded to develop a civic-minded society. Indiscriminate throwing of litter is still very common despite public campaigns on anti-littering. There are still many inconsiderate drivers on our roads.
Let it not be said that Malaysians work hard to pursue wealth and status but they lose sight of their civic obligations.
One of the many issues of public concern is how to develop a strong maintenance culture in Malaysia in the interest of public safety and convenience.
Malaysia is known as a country which prides itself in the provision of First World infrastructure but not in terms of its maintenance of these infrastructure.
Incidences of defects and breakdown in new government buildings and infrastructures are still fresh in our minds. Problems of such nature are embarrassing and for too serious to be ignored.
These unpleasant occurrences are a reflection of a Malaysian malaise clearly manifested in inferior quality work, poor execution, inept management, poor maintenance and lack of ethics.
What is at stake is not only the question of ethics but also the issue of Safety and Health at work. The occurrence of collapsing structure in buildings is an issue affecting health and safety at work which must not be overlooked.
All workplaces, whether private or government, with more than 40 or more employees are required by law (the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994) to establish safety and health committees at the workplace to discuss and implement accident prevention or OSH programmes at the workplaces.
It is time for everyone to curb the Malaysian malaise of inferior quality work, poor execution, inept management and poor maintenance.
The comment that Malaysia is a case of a country “having First World infrastructure but Third World Mentality” is very true when it comes to the practice of maintenance.
Maintenance and service has never been the country’s forte. We are good at providing state-of-the-art buildings and equipment but when it comes to maintaining them and making them function properly we have many shortcomings and weaknesses.
Poor maintenance of public buildings and infrastructures can lead to accidents and injuries. Public toilets which are not properly maintained can cause public inconveniences. Children’s playgrounds poorly maintained can also result in accidents and injuries. Roads and public drains not properly maintained can also cause flash floods.
All authorities and every Malaysian must imbibe the culture of strong maintenance and make it a way of life. Let us not have first world infrastructure but a third class mentality.
Improving a country’s image is not only the responsibility of the government but also the duty of each citizen who must be civic-minded.
Despite Malaysia’s success in economic development, we have not succeeded to develop a civic-minded society. Indiscriminate throwing of litter is still very common despite public campaigns on anti-littering. There are still many inconsiderate drivers on our roads.
Let it not be said that Malaysians work hard to pursue wealth and status but they lose sight of their civic obligations.
Monday, November 24, 2008
SPCA
I read with serious concern a recent statement by the Society For The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals (SPCA) pointing out to alleged cruelty to animals by municipal and contracted dog-catchers in the Subang Jaya and Shah Alam areas.
It had been alleged that dog-catchers trespassed into private homes and dragged the dogs out of the homes and in the process inflicted serious injuries on the animals.
Such inhumane actions and cruelty to the animals, even if they are not licenced, is highly deplorable and should be thoroughly investigated.
The other issue which is of utmost concern is that these overzealous dog-catchers have no legal right or authority to trespass into private homes just because they detect a dog without licence.
Is it because these contracted dog-catchers are given too attractive monetary incentives that they use all available means even if unlawful to nab these dogs by hook or by cook.
The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) cannot be unconcerned about the various allegations on cruelty to animals.
It should step in and put a stop to all such inhumane treatment to the animals by the municipal and contracted dog-catchers.
As has been appointed out by the SPCA, DVS has issued its Humane Management of Stray Animals Guidelines to all municipal councils in Malaysia. The basis of the guidelines are the Five Freedoms for Animals, and cover aspects like catching, transportation, housing and euthanasia.
We hope that all municipals will adopt these guidelines, to ensure that all animals under their care will be treated with kindness and compassion.
It had been alleged that dog-catchers trespassed into private homes and dragged the dogs out of the homes and in the process inflicted serious injuries on the animals.
Such inhumane actions and cruelty to the animals, even if they are not licenced, is highly deplorable and should be thoroughly investigated.
The other issue which is of utmost concern is that these overzealous dog-catchers have no legal right or authority to trespass into private homes just because they detect a dog without licence.
Is it because these contracted dog-catchers are given too attractive monetary incentives that they use all available means even if unlawful to nab these dogs by hook or by cook.
The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) cannot be unconcerned about the various allegations on cruelty to animals.
It should step in and put a stop to all such inhumane treatment to the animals by the municipal and contracted dog-catchers.
As has been appointed out by the SPCA, DVS has issued its Humane Management of Stray Animals Guidelines to all municipal councils in Malaysia. The basis of the guidelines are the Five Freedoms for Animals, and cover aspects like catching, transportation, housing and euthanasia.
We hope that all municipals will adopt these guidelines, to ensure that all animals under their care will be treated with kindness and compassion.
Ketagihan Fantasi Siber
Beberapa ibu-bapa telah menulis kepada saya baru-baru ini menyatakan kebimbangan mereka mengenai ketagihan anak-anak muda kepada fantasi siber melalui permainan komputer atau “computer games” yang terdapat di kafe siber yang mereka kunjungi.
Semakin ramai anak-anak muda telah mengunjungi kafe siber ini untuk bermain computer games dengan alasan ingin mendapat ketenangan atau merehatkan minda dari tekanan alam persekolahan.
Menurut iba-bapa tersebut, bukan ketagihan dadah yang dihadapi anak-anak muda ini tetapi sebaliknya ialah ketagihan kepada permainan siber.
Tidak lama dulu terdapat lapuran yang meluas didalam media mengenai pelajar sekolah rendah dan menengah yang berpakaian seragam sekolah didapati berada didalam kafe siber tertentu dipersekitaran Kuala Lumpur dan Ipoh ketika dilakukan pemeriksaan oleh Jabatan Pelajaran.
Inilah hakikatnya pada hari ini. Semakin ramai anak-anak muda telah menjadi penagih kepada fantasi siber. Dan ini adalah masaalah yang perlu ditangani oleh sekolah, ibu-bapa dan pihak-pihak yang berkenaan.
Tidak ada salahnya permainan komputer ini digunakan untuk merihatkan minda tetapi ia hendaklah dilakukan dengan kadar yang sederhana. Sebarang bentuk penagihan adalah tidak baik terutamanya kepada pelajar yang perlu belajar dan menduduki peperiksaan.
Apa yang lebih buruk lagi ialah apabila ketagihan terhadap computer games ini membawa kepada perjudian yang merupakan punca utama kepada banyak keburukan.
Perjudian siber tidak boleh dibenarkan dan anak-anak muda kita tidak boleh terbabit denganya.
Walaupun saya tidak memusuhi kafe siber, tetapi peratutan yang mengekang operasi mereka terutamanya bersangkutan dengan tempat ia beroperasi dan penguatkuasaan terhadapnya hendaklah diperketatkan untuk mengelak ia menjadi punca kepada penyakit sosial kepada masyarakat.
Bagaimanakah pengusaha kafe siber seperti itu membenarkan pelajar sekolah memasuki premis mereka sedangkan notis didepan pintu dengan jelas menyatakan pelajar yang memakai seragam sekolah tidak dibenarkan masuk.
Kafe siber telah tumbuh bagaikan cendawan diserata pelusuk negara dan penguat kuasa tempatan yang mengeluarkan lesen kepada pengusaha kafe siber ini tidak mampu untuk memantau kesan buruk kepada masyarakat yang diujudkan oleh operasi kafe siber ini.
Untuk mengharapkan para pengusaha kafe siber ini beretika dan melakukan pengawalan kendiri untuk menyekat mereka yang dibawah umur 18 tahun dari memasuki kafe siber ini adalah mustahil kerana mereka mempunyai kepentingan kewangan terhadap perkara tersebut.
Semua penguatkuasa tempatan perlu memastikan pengusaha kafe siber mematuhi syarat-syarat yang dikenakan terhadap permit lesen mereka seperti menghadkan operasi kepada waktu yang tertentu dan tidak membenarkan anak-anak dibawah umur memasuki premis mereka.
Walaupun kita mengalu-alukan zaman teknologi maklumat dan kominikasi (ICT), kita juga perlu melindungi generasi muda kita dari pengaruh negatif yang dibawa oleh kemajuan teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi ini.
Dengan perkembangan dan kemajuan pendidikan pintar, mendapatkan ilmu dan pengetahuan perlu dilakukan dengan pendidikan moral yang mencukupi.
Walaupun kita perlu menghasilkan pekerja yang mempunyai kepakaran komputer dalam zaman teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi ini, ia perlu dilakukan tanpa mengorkan atau mengabaikan keperluan penerapan nilai-nilai moral yang baik.
Dengan kemajuan maklumat tanpa sempadan, lebih penekanan hendaklah diberikan terhadap penerapan nilai-nilai moral didalam pendidikan untuk mengelakkan munculnya lebih banyak jenayah siber.
Semakin ramai anak-anak muda telah mengunjungi kafe siber ini untuk bermain computer games dengan alasan ingin mendapat ketenangan atau merehatkan minda dari tekanan alam persekolahan.
Menurut iba-bapa tersebut, bukan ketagihan dadah yang dihadapi anak-anak muda ini tetapi sebaliknya ialah ketagihan kepada permainan siber.
Tidak lama dulu terdapat lapuran yang meluas didalam media mengenai pelajar sekolah rendah dan menengah yang berpakaian seragam sekolah didapati berada didalam kafe siber tertentu dipersekitaran Kuala Lumpur dan Ipoh ketika dilakukan pemeriksaan oleh Jabatan Pelajaran.
Inilah hakikatnya pada hari ini. Semakin ramai anak-anak muda telah menjadi penagih kepada fantasi siber. Dan ini adalah masaalah yang perlu ditangani oleh sekolah, ibu-bapa dan pihak-pihak yang berkenaan.
Tidak ada salahnya permainan komputer ini digunakan untuk merihatkan minda tetapi ia hendaklah dilakukan dengan kadar yang sederhana. Sebarang bentuk penagihan adalah tidak baik terutamanya kepada pelajar yang perlu belajar dan menduduki peperiksaan.
Apa yang lebih buruk lagi ialah apabila ketagihan terhadap computer games ini membawa kepada perjudian yang merupakan punca utama kepada banyak keburukan.
Perjudian siber tidak boleh dibenarkan dan anak-anak muda kita tidak boleh terbabit denganya.
Walaupun saya tidak memusuhi kafe siber, tetapi peratutan yang mengekang operasi mereka terutamanya bersangkutan dengan tempat ia beroperasi dan penguatkuasaan terhadapnya hendaklah diperketatkan untuk mengelak ia menjadi punca kepada penyakit sosial kepada masyarakat.
Bagaimanakah pengusaha kafe siber seperti itu membenarkan pelajar sekolah memasuki premis mereka sedangkan notis didepan pintu dengan jelas menyatakan pelajar yang memakai seragam sekolah tidak dibenarkan masuk.
Kafe siber telah tumbuh bagaikan cendawan diserata pelusuk negara dan penguat kuasa tempatan yang mengeluarkan lesen kepada pengusaha kafe siber ini tidak mampu untuk memantau kesan buruk kepada masyarakat yang diujudkan oleh operasi kafe siber ini.
Untuk mengharapkan para pengusaha kafe siber ini beretika dan melakukan pengawalan kendiri untuk menyekat mereka yang dibawah umur 18 tahun dari memasuki kafe siber ini adalah mustahil kerana mereka mempunyai kepentingan kewangan terhadap perkara tersebut.
Semua penguatkuasa tempatan perlu memastikan pengusaha kafe siber mematuhi syarat-syarat yang dikenakan terhadap permit lesen mereka seperti menghadkan operasi kepada waktu yang tertentu dan tidak membenarkan anak-anak dibawah umur memasuki premis mereka.
Walaupun kita mengalu-alukan zaman teknologi maklumat dan kominikasi (ICT), kita juga perlu melindungi generasi muda kita dari pengaruh negatif yang dibawa oleh kemajuan teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi ini.
Dengan perkembangan dan kemajuan pendidikan pintar, mendapatkan ilmu dan pengetahuan perlu dilakukan dengan pendidikan moral yang mencukupi.
Walaupun kita perlu menghasilkan pekerja yang mempunyai kepakaran komputer dalam zaman teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi ini, ia perlu dilakukan tanpa mengorkan atau mengabaikan keperluan penerapan nilai-nilai moral yang baik.
Dengan kemajuan maklumat tanpa sempadan, lebih penekanan hendaklah diberikan terhadap penerapan nilai-nilai moral didalam pendidikan untuk mengelakkan munculnya lebih banyak jenayah siber.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Public Services in Malaysia
One of the many issues of public concern is how to develop a strong maintenance culture in Malaysia in the interest of public safety and convenience.
Malaysia is known as a country which prides itself in the provision of First World infrastructure but not in terms of its maintenance of these infrastructure.
Incidences of defects and breakdown in new government buildings and infrastructures are still fresh in our minds. Problems of such nature are embarrassing and for too serious to be ignored.
These unpleasant occurrences are a reflection of a Malaysian malaise clearly manifested in inferior quality work, poor execution, inept management, poor maintenance and lack of ethics.
What is at stake is not only the question of ethics but also the issue of Safety and Health at work. The occurrence of collapsing structure in buildings is an issue affecting health and safety at work which must not be overlooked.
All workplaces, whether private or government, with more than 40 or more employees are required by law (the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994) to establish safety and health committees at the workplace to discuss and implement accident prevention or OSH programmes at the workplaces.
It is time for everyone to curb the Malaysian malaise of inferior quality work, poor execution, inept management and poor maintenance.
The comment that Malaysia is a case of a country “having First World infrastructure but Third World Mentality” is very true when it comes to the practice of maintenance.
Maintenance and service has never been the country’s forte. We are good at providing state-of-the-art buildings and equipment but when it comes to maintaining them and making them function properly we have many shortcomings and weaknesses.
Poor maintenance of public buildings and infrastructures can lead to accidents and injuries. Public toilets which are not properly maintained can cause public inconveniences. Children’s playgrounds poorly maintained can also result in accidents and injuries. Roads and public drains not properly maintained can also cause flash floods.
All authorities and every Malaysian must imbibe the culture of strong maintenance and make it a way of life. Let us not have first world infrastructure but a third class mentality.
Improving a country’s image is not only the responsibility of the government but also the duty of each citizen who must be civic-minded.
Despite Malaysia’s success in economic development, we have not succeeded to develop a civic-minded society. Indiscriminate throwing of litter is still very common despite public campaigns on anti-littering. There are still many inconsiderate drivers on our roads.
Let it not be said that Malaysians work hard to pursue wealth and status but they lose sight of their civic obligations.
Malaysia is known as a country which prides itself in the provision of First World infrastructure but not in terms of its maintenance of these infrastructure.
Incidences of defects and breakdown in new government buildings and infrastructures are still fresh in our minds. Problems of such nature are embarrassing and for too serious to be ignored.
These unpleasant occurrences are a reflection of a Malaysian malaise clearly manifested in inferior quality work, poor execution, inept management, poor maintenance and lack of ethics.
What is at stake is not only the question of ethics but also the issue of Safety and Health at work. The occurrence of collapsing structure in buildings is an issue affecting health and safety at work which must not be overlooked.
All workplaces, whether private or government, with more than 40 or more employees are required by law (the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994) to establish safety and health committees at the workplace to discuss and implement accident prevention or OSH programmes at the workplaces.
It is time for everyone to curb the Malaysian malaise of inferior quality work, poor execution, inept management and poor maintenance.
The comment that Malaysia is a case of a country “having First World infrastructure but Third World Mentality” is very true when it comes to the practice of maintenance.
Maintenance and service has never been the country’s forte. We are good at providing state-of-the-art buildings and equipment but when it comes to maintaining them and making them function properly we have many shortcomings and weaknesses.
Poor maintenance of public buildings and infrastructures can lead to accidents and injuries. Public toilets which are not properly maintained can cause public inconveniences. Children’s playgrounds poorly maintained can also result in accidents and injuries. Roads and public drains not properly maintained can also cause flash floods.
All authorities and every Malaysian must imbibe the culture of strong maintenance and make it a way of life. Let us not have first world infrastructure but a third class mentality.
Improving a country’s image is not only the responsibility of the government but also the duty of each citizen who must be civic-minded.
Despite Malaysia’s success in economic development, we have not succeeded to develop a civic-minded society. Indiscriminate throwing of litter is still very common despite public campaigns on anti-littering. There are still many inconsiderate drivers on our roads.
Let it not be said that Malaysians work hard to pursue wealth and status but they lose sight of their civic obligations.
Perpaduan
Perpaduan adalah hadiah yang tidak ternilai harganya yang perlu dikekalkan oleh semua rakyat di dalam masyarakat majmuk seperti Malaysia.
Setiap warga Malaysia yang cintakan keamanan mestilah memberikan komitmen sepenuhnya terhadap keharmonian dan perpaduan dan usaha yang bersungguh-sungguh perlu dilakukan untuk memupuk budaya yang membawa keamanan, keharmonian dan perpaduan.
Perpaduan dan keharmonian adalah dua perkara yang amat diperlukan di serata dunia dan Malaysia tidak terkecuali. Untuk memastikan keharmonian dan perpaduan di Malaysia, kita harus mewujudkan lebih banyak aktiviti yang melibatkan semua kaum di peringkat akar-umbi.
Banyak yang telah diperkatakan mengenai perpaduan nasional tetapi masih banyak yang perlu dilakukan untuk meningkatkan, mengekalkan dan menggalakkan perhubungan yang erat di antara rakyat Malaysia berbilang kaum. Ia adalah proses yang berterusan dan perlu diberikan keutamaan yang paling tinggi.
Usaha memupuk perpaduan seharusnya bermula dari peringkat persekolahan iaitu dari tadika kanak-kanak ke sekolah rendah, menengah dan seterusnya ke pusat-pusat pengajian tinggi, di mana usaha boleh dilakukan untuk menerapkan nilai-nilai harmoni dan perpaduan. Memupuk perpaduan juga perlu dimulakan di kalangan jiran tetangga kerana di situlah terletak kepelbagaian kaum dan nilai.
Kementerian Pelajaran perlu meningkatkan atau menambahkan skop mata pelajaran berkaitan dengan “moral’ dengan memasukkan pengetahuan dan pelajaran mengenai perpaduan dan keharmonian kaum di samping menerapkan nilai integrasi kaum di kalangan pelajar berbilang kaum.
Semua rakyat Malaysia tanpa mengira kaum harus berusaha untuk membangunkan satu “Bangsa Malaysia” yang bersatu walaupun ia bukanlah satu perkara yang mudah.
Semua rakyat Malaysia perlu menyingkirkan perasaan takut, syak wasangka dan prejudis di antara satu sama lain demi untuk kebaikan bersama.
Perpaduan adalah soal sikap. Perpaduan datangnya dari dalam diri kita dan dari hati kita. Perpaduan tidak dapat dicapai melalui paksaan atau perundangan. Ia lahir secara sukarela.
Memandangkan minat baru yang ditujukan oleh kerajaan terhadap perbincangan mengenai perpaduan, saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini menyeru pihak kerajaan supaya mengambil langkah-langkah untuk memperkenalkan penilaian kesan projek-projek pembangunan dari aspek sosial dan perpaduan kaum.
Semua projek pembangunan perlu dikaji dengan teliti untuk memastikan ia mendatangkan faedah di dalam memperkukuhkan perpaduan kaum di kalangan rakyat. Projek yang menjurus ke arah perpecahan kaum perlu dikaji semula dan diperbaiki.
Setiap warga Malaysia yang cintakan keamanan mestilah memberikan komitmen sepenuhnya terhadap keharmonian dan perpaduan dan usaha yang bersungguh-sungguh perlu dilakukan untuk memupuk budaya yang membawa keamanan, keharmonian dan perpaduan.
Perpaduan dan keharmonian adalah dua perkara yang amat diperlukan di serata dunia dan Malaysia tidak terkecuali. Untuk memastikan keharmonian dan perpaduan di Malaysia, kita harus mewujudkan lebih banyak aktiviti yang melibatkan semua kaum di peringkat akar-umbi.
Banyak yang telah diperkatakan mengenai perpaduan nasional tetapi masih banyak yang perlu dilakukan untuk meningkatkan, mengekalkan dan menggalakkan perhubungan yang erat di antara rakyat Malaysia berbilang kaum. Ia adalah proses yang berterusan dan perlu diberikan keutamaan yang paling tinggi.
Usaha memupuk perpaduan seharusnya bermula dari peringkat persekolahan iaitu dari tadika kanak-kanak ke sekolah rendah, menengah dan seterusnya ke pusat-pusat pengajian tinggi, di mana usaha boleh dilakukan untuk menerapkan nilai-nilai harmoni dan perpaduan. Memupuk perpaduan juga perlu dimulakan di kalangan jiran tetangga kerana di situlah terletak kepelbagaian kaum dan nilai.
Kementerian Pelajaran perlu meningkatkan atau menambahkan skop mata pelajaran berkaitan dengan “moral’ dengan memasukkan pengetahuan dan pelajaran mengenai perpaduan dan keharmonian kaum di samping menerapkan nilai integrasi kaum di kalangan pelajar berbilang kaum.
Semua rakyat Malaysia tanpa mengira kaum harus berusaha untuk membangunkan satu “Bangsa Malaysia” yang bersatu walaupun ia bukanlah satu perkara yang mudah.
Semua rakyat Malaysia perlu menyingkirkan perasaan takut, syak wasangka dan prejudis di antara satu sama lain demi untuk kebaikan bersama.
Perpaduan adalah soal sikap. Perpaduan datangnya dari dalam diri kita dan dari hati kita. Perpaduan tidak dapat dicapai melalui paksaan atau perundangan. Ia lahir secara sukarela.
Memandangkan minat baru yang ditujukan oleh kerajaan terhadap perbincangan mengenai perpaduan, saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini menyeru pihak kerajaan supaya mengambil langkah-langkah untuk memperkenalkan penilaian kesan projek-projek pembangunan dari aspek sosial dan perpaduan kaum.
Semua projek pembangunan perlu dikaji dengan teliti untuk memastikan ia mendatangkan faedah di dalam memperkukuhkan perpaduan kaum di kalangan rakyat. Projek yang menjurus ke arah perpecahan kaum perlu dikaji semula dan diperbaiki.
UCAPAN PERASMIAN SEMINAR AMALAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESIHATAN DI TEMPAT KERJA YANG CEMERLANG
Selamat Pagi dan Salam Sejahtera
Terlebih dahulu saya ingin merakamkan penghargaan dan terima kasih di atas kehadiran serta penyertaan saudara dan saudari dalam SEMINAR AMALAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESIHATAN DI TEMPAT KERJA YANG CEMERLANG pada pagi ini.
Seminar ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pendedahan mengenai amalan-amalan keselamatan dan kesihatan (OSH) di tempat kerja yang boleh menjamin peningkatan produktiviti.
Untuk makluman para peserta Seminar yang di adakan hari ini adalah selaras dengan Tema Hari Sedunia Bagi Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan yang disambut pada tahun ini . (28hb April).
Hari Sedunia Bagi Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (World OSH Day) disambut di seluruh dunia di bawah anjuran Organisasi Buruh Antarabangsa (ILO) dan tema pada tahun ini adalah ‘Kehidupan Saya, Pekerjaan Saya, Pekerjaan Saya Yang Selamat – Menguruskan Risiko Di Persekitaran Tempat Kerja’ yang menegaskan kepentingan dalam memastikan OSH di tempat kerja.
NIOSH berharap semoga segala maklumat yang disampaikan melalui seminar ini akan dapat dijadikan input yang berguna bagi mempertingkatkan lagi ilmu dan pengetahuan tuan-tuan dan puan-puan ke arah mementingkan OSH.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Issues related to occupational safety and health which have become more significant and urgent have created more demands from the industries towards further reducing workplace accidents and incidences.
On April 28 of every year, government, employers and workers’ organisations worldwide are encouraged to conduct awareness-raising activities within their areas of influence in efforts to reduce accidents and ill-health at the workplace.
World’s Day for Safety and Health at work is also an annual event to increase awareness about how to make work safe and healthy as well as to raise the profile of occupational safety and health.
The theme for this year’s World Day for Safety and health at work is: “ MY LIFE, MY WORK, MY SAFE WORK-MANAGING RISK IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT”.
This theme was chosen by ILO to strongly encourage workers to examine the risks related to their own jobs.
The objective of the World Day for Safety and Health at work is to focus international attention on promoting and creating a safety and health culture that can help to reduce the number of work-related deaths each year. Safety, after all, is the responsibility of all concerned.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is of worldwide concern to governments, employers, workers and their families. While some industries are inherently more hazardous than others, groups such as migrant or other marginalized workers are often more at risk of experiencing work-related accidents and ill health, since poverty frequently forces them into unsafe occupations.
Accidents and diseases at work often have several contributory causes; organizational, physical and human factors can all play a part. Risks can be classified in several ways, such as mechanical or physical, chemical, ergonomic and psychosocial risks. Examples of these risks are hearing damage from high noise levels; lacerations from dangerous machinery; and upper limb disorders from repetitive.
Work-related accidents and ill-health place intolerable human and economic burdens on workers and their families as well as on enterprises and on society as a whole.
In Malaysia, SOCSO estimates that the related economic costs due to compensation, lost working time, interruption of production, training and medical expenses are considerably high. Last year, the total compensation costs paid out by SOCSO for industrial accidents and occupational diseases was over RM 1.06 billion.
Conversely, there is clear evidence that a healthy workforce can enhance business productivity, benefit enterprises and national economies by reducing the number of accidents and diseases and lowering the number of insurance and compensation claims.
The overall responsibility for providing a safe and healthy working environment rests with the employers who should demonstrate their commitment to OSH.
This can be done by building and maintaining a preventative safety and health culture that address the principles of prevention, hazard identification, risk assessment and control, information and training.
Workers on the other hand have a duty to cooperate with the employer in implementing this OSH programme. They should respect and apply procedures and other instructions designed to protect them and others present at the workplace from exposure to occupational hazards.
It is estimated that more than 2 million people die from work-related illness or accidents each year.
The World Day for Safety and health at Work, celebrated worldwide including Malaysia, is an international campaign to promote safety and health at work.
Preserving human health is a key objective of social security, promoting and creating a safety and health culture can save lives and reduce costs to society.
Tuan-tuan dan Puan-puan,
Hak untuk hidup adalah hak asasi manusia. Hak untuk bekerja di dalam suasana yang selamat dan sihat juga merupakan hak asasi seorang pekerja.
Namun demikian, setiap tahun, mengikut Pertubuhan Buruh Antarabangsa (ILO), lebih daripada 1.2 juta pekerja dinafikan hak ini dan natijahnya ialah kemalangan dan kematian dan pelbagai penyakit yang disebabkan bentuk kerja atau tempat kerja mereka yang tidak selamat dan sihat.
Di peringkat global lebih 100,000 kemalangan berlaku di tempat kerja setiap bulan, iaitu lebih dari 3,000 setiap hari, atau dua kemalangan bagi setiap minit. Fenomena ini merupakan masalah global, dan jika tidak di bendung, boleh mendatangkan musibah yang tidak dapat di terima dari segi ekonomi, sosial serta moral.
Perangkaan yang dibentangkan oleh ILO begitu membimbangkan:
1. Lebih daripada 250 juta kemalangan setahun di alami oleh para pekerja.
2. Lebih 160 juta pekerja jatuh sakit setiap tahun akibat hazard dan pendedahan kepada bahan-bahan bercahaya di tempat kerja.
3. Kemalangan dan penyakit adalah punca kepada lebih 1.2 juta kematian setiap tahun, jumlah yang melebihi kematian akibat kemalangan jalanraya di seluruh dunia.
4. Lebih 10 juta pekerja mengalami kecederaan dan penyakit yang menyebabkan kecederaan sepanjang hayat dan hilang punca pendapatan.
Mengikut badan dunia itu, walaupun kita tidak dapat meletakkan nilai harga bagi nyawa manusia, pampasan yang diberikan kepada keluarga mangsa menunjukkan bahawa empat peratus daripada keluaran kasar dalam negara hilang begitu sahaja disebabkan kos pembiayaan kemalangan dan penyakit akibat ketidakhadiran, rawatan perubatan, kecacatan serta imbuhan kepada mangsa yang terselamat.
Di negara membangun seperti Amerika Syarikat, United Kingdom, German dan Norway, kos kemalangan dianggarkan berbillion dollar.
Di negara-negara membangun, dianggarkan bahawa kematian pekerja adalah lebih lima hingga enam kali ganda berbanding negara-negara perindustrian. Ini merupakan cabaran yang besar bagi negara-negara membangun dalam menangani isu perlindungan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerja.
Terdapat juga kebimbangan terhadap isu alam sekitar. Dalam era globalisasi ini yang tiada batas sempadan, bahan-bahan berbahaya dengan bebasnya melintasi sempadan negara. Ini menimbulkan keperluan yang lebih tinggi untuk pengawasan alam sekitar.
SISTEM PENGURUSAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESIHATAN
Cara paling berkesan untuk mengurangkan kemalangan di tempat kerja adalah melalui pelaksanaan sistem pengurusan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan yang baik.
Dalam hal ini, ahli-ahli pengamal keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan perlulah bersedia memikul tanggungjawab menangani pelbagai isu keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan yang akan timbul.
Isu kritikal yang perlu diteliti dan ditangani untuk meningkatkan tahap keselamatan dan kesihatan termasuklah:
1. Pendidikan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan (OSH) dimasukkan di dalam kurikulum sekolah, kolej dan universiti.
2. Memastikan isu-isu berkenaan keselamatan dan kesihatan diberi perhatian terutamanya di peringkat reka bentuk / perancangan sesebuah projek.
3. Memastikan komitmen dan penglibatan pihak pengurusan atasan dalam isu keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan.
4. Pelaksanaan program amalan keselamatan dan kesihatan (OSH) di tempat kerja.
5. Memaparkan bahawa aktiviti perlindungan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan boleh membawa keuntungan.
Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan,
Semenjak pengemukaan Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan, OSHA 1994, bilangan kemalangan di tempat kerja telah menunjukkan penurunan yang signifikan dari 10 kemalangan untuk setiap 1,000 pekerja pada tahun 2002 kepada tahap 7 kemalangan untuk setiap 1,000 pekerja pada tahun 2007.
Namun, kadar kemalangan tersebut adalah masih tinggi jika dibandingkan dengan negara maju yang lain iaitu 3-4 kemalangan untuk setiap 1,000 pekerja.
Statistik kemalangan yang direkodkan oleh PERKESO juga secara keseluruhan telah menurun sebnayak 35% dari 86,589 kes kemalangan pada tahun 2007, ke 58,339 kes kemalangan pada tahun 2007.
Walau bagaimanapun, pada tahun 2007, PERKESO telah membayar lebih daripada RM 1.06 billion pampasan kemalangan di tempat kerja.
Jumlah yang begitu tinggi tersebut menunjukkan bahawa masih terdapat banyak ruang untuk perubahan dan pembaikan dengan isu-isu keselamatan dan kesihatan di tempat kerja.
Oleh yang demikian, NIOSH meminta supaya semua majikan memberikan perhatian yang sewajarnya terhadap keselamatan dan kesihatan para pekerja dan menjadikan OSH sebagai suatu amalan budaya kerja.
Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan,
Pada seminar kali ini juga NIOSH ingin mengambil kesempatan untuk memberikan penumpuan terhadap aspek ”Ergonomik” iaitu satu istilah yang jarang sekali kita dengar di negara ini.
Tetapi, ianya amat popular di negara maju serta di kalangan professional yang bergiat di bidang keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan.
’Ergonomik’ adalah satu bidang sains dan teknologi yang bertujuan untuk menyesuaikan penggunaan peralatan-peralatan pekerjaan, reka-bentuk tempat kerja, persekitaran tempat bekerja dan juga cara bekerja mengikut had dan kemampuan fizikal dan mental para pekerja.
Kajian-kajian yang telah dilakukan di negara-negara industri yang maju menunjukkan banyak kecederaan di kalangan para pekerja kilang melibatkan tulang belakang, sendi-sendi di tangan, kaki dan tengkuk.
Umpamanya pejabat merupakan sebuah tempat yang biasanya dianggap tidak mempunyai risiko pada keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan.
Seperti juga tempat yang lain, PEJABAT TIDAK TERKECUALI daripada hazard fizikal, biologikal, kimia dan faktor ’ergonomik’.
Hazard ini boleh mengakibatkan berlakunya kemalangan seperti terjatuh, tersepit, terlanggar dan masalah lain seperti masalah otot rangka dan kelesuan mata.
Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan 1994, seksyen 15 (1) menyatakan bahawa adalah menjadi kewajipan tiap-tiap majikan dan tiap-tiap orang yang bekerja sendiri untuk memastikan, setakat yang praktik, keselamatan, kesihatan dan kebajikan semasa bekerja semua pekerjanya.
Cara paling berkesan untuk mengurangkan kemalangan di tempat kerja adalah melalui pelaksanaan SISTEM PENGURUSAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESIHATAN PEKERJAAN yang baik.
Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan,
Sepertimana termaklum, Institut Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan Negara atau NIOSH adalah sebuah Institusi di bawah Kementerian Sumber Manusia yang dipertanggungjawabkan untuk membantu para majikan dan pekerja di negara ini bagi mempertingkatkan lagi tahap keselamatan pekerja di tempat kerja.
Peranan yang dimainkan oleh NIOSH adalah untuk mewujudkan BUDAYA KERJA SELAMAT DAN SIHAT di kalangan rakyat Malaysia.
Penggubalan dan Penguatkuasaan Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan adalah merupakan komitmen pihak Kerajaan terhadap aspek keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan di negara ini.
Selaras dengan hasrat dan matlamat inilah maka NIOSH telah ditubuhkan dengan misi dan visi untuk menjadi pusat kecemerlangan di dalam OSH dan menjadi rakan pilihan di dalam bidang OSH dengan menyediakan latihan, khidmat nasihat, menyebarkan maklumat serta menjalankan penyelidikan dalam bidang OSH.
Dan pada hari ini NIOSH mengorak langkah yang lebih besar dengan pembukaan satu lagi Pejabat NIOSH Wilayah Melaka yang bukan sahaja bertujuan untuk menyediakan dan meningkatkan tahap pelbagai perkhidmatan yang sedia ada terutamanya program Safety Passport System oleh kampus utama di Bandar Baru Bangi dan kampus cawangan di negeri Johor, tetapi juga untuk merapatkan lagi hubungan NIOSH dengan para pengamal OSH serta mereka yang terlibat dalam bidang OSH khasnya di bahagian utara Johor seperti Muar dan Segamat serta bahagian selatan Negeri Sembilan yang mempunyai kawasan-kawasan perindustrian termasuk Industri Kecil dan Sederhana atau SMI.
Pejabat NIOSH Wilayah Melaka ini adalah merupakan pejabat cawangan NIOSH YANG KE-TUJUH ditubuhkan selepas Pejabat NIOSH Wilayah Sabah yang telah dilancarkan pada 21 Mei 2007 yang lalu. Tahniah dan syabas ditujukan kepada pihak-pihak yang terlibat di dalam merealisasikan pembukaan PEJABAT NIOSH WILAYAH MELAKA.
Semoga dengan penubuhan ini, NIOSH akan dapat memberikan penerangan mengenai perkembangan terbaru Institut ini serta menyebarkan maklumat yang penting dan terkini dalam bidang OSH, bertepatan dengan pembangunan yang pesat di negeri Melaka Bandar Bersejarah ini terutamanya oleh industri perkilangan, industri minyak dan gas dan juga industri pelancongan.
Secara kesimpulan usaha-usaha ke arah mengurangkan kemalangan semasa bekerja serta mewujudkan tempat kerja yang selamat dan sihat adalah menjadi tanggungjawab semua pihak yang terlibat iaitu:- golongan pekerja, para majikan, pihak pengurusan organisasi atau syarikat serta mereka yang mencipta peralatan dan sistem yang digunakan di tempat kerja.
Sifat bertanggungjawab ini harus lahir dari kesedaran kita sendiri terhadap betapa pentingnya aspek keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan. Usaha-usaha yang dilakukan oleh kita semua untuk menjaga keselamatan dan kesihatan semasa bekerja dan di tempat kerja harus dilakukan dengan penuh komitmen, kesungguhan dan berterusan.
Sebagai mengakhiri ucapan ini saya sekali lagi ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk merakamkan ucapan terima kasih kepada semua peserta yang telah hadir untuk menjayakan program pada kali ini.
Tanpa penyertaan dari tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekalian, NIOSH tidak akan dapat melaksanakan tugas dan tanggungjawab yang di amanahkan kepadanya dengan jayanya.
Marilah sama-sama kita jadikan amalan BEKERJA DENGAN SELAMAT DAN SIHAT melalui falsafah sebagai suatu BUDAYA dalam kehidupan seluruh Masyarakat Malaysia.
DENGAN INI SAYA SUKACITANYA MERASMIKAN ‘SEMINAR AMALAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESIHATAN DI TEMPAT KERJA YANG CEMERLANG PADA PAGI INI.
SEKIAN, TERIMA KASIH.
Terlebih dahulu saya ingin merakamkan penghargaan dan terima kasih di atas kehadiran serta penyertaan saudara dan saudari dalam SEMINAR AMALAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESIHATAN DI TEMPAT KERJA YANG CEMERLANG pada pagi ini.
Seminar ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pendedahan mengenai amalan-amalan keselamatan dan kesihatan (OSH) di tempat kerja yang boleh menjamin peningkatan produktiviti.
Untuk makluman para peserta Seminar yang di adakan hari ini adalah selaras dengan Tema Hari Sedunia Bagi Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan yang disambut pada tahun ini . (28hb April).
Hari Sedunia Bagi Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (World OSH Day) disambut di seluruh dunia di bawah anjuran Organisasi Buruh Antarabangsa (ILO) dan tema pada tahun ini adalah ‘Kehidupan Saya, Pekerjaan Saya, Pekerjaan Saya Yang Selamat – Menguruskan Risiko Di Persekitaran Tempat Kerja’ yang menegaskan kepentingan dalam memastikan OSH di tempat kerja.
NIOSH berharap semoga segala maklumat yang disampaikan melalui seminar ini akan dapat dijadikan input yang berguna bagi mempertingkatkan lagi ilmu dan pengetahuan tuan-tuan dan puan-puan ke arah mementingkan OSH.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Issues related to occupational safety and health which have become more significant and urgent have created more demands from the industries towards further reducing workplace accidents and incidences.
On April 28 of every year, government, employers and workers’ organisations worldwide are encouraged to conduct awareness-raising activities within their areas of influence in efforts to reduce accidents and ill-health at the workplace.
World’s Day for Safety and Health at work is also an annual event to increase awareness about how to make work safe and healthy as well as to raise the profile of occupational safety and health.
The theme for this year’s World Day for Safety and health at work is: “ MY LIFE, MY WORK, MY SAFE WORK-MANAGING RISK IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT”.
This theme was chosen by ILO to strongly encourage workers to examine the risks related to their own jobs.
The objective of the World Day for Safety and Health at work is to focus international attention on promoting and creating a safety and health culture that can help to reduce the number of work-related deaths each year. Safety, after all, is the responsibility of all concerned.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is of worldwide concern to governments, employers, workers and their families. While some industries are inherently more hazardous than others, groups such as migrant or other marginalized workers are often more at risk of experiencing work-related accidents and ill health, since poverty frequently forces them into unsafe occupations.
Accidents and diseases at work often have several contributory causes; organizational, physical and human factors can all play a part. Risks can be classified in several ways, such as mechanical or physical, chemical, ergonomic and psychosocial risks. Examples of these risks are hearing damage from high noise levels; lacerations from dangerous machinery; and upper limb disorders from repetitive.
Work-related accidents and ill-health place intolerable human and economic burdens on workers and their families as well as on enterprises and on society as a whole.
In Malaysia, SOCSO estimates that the related economic costs due to compensation, lost working time, interruption of production, training and medical expenses are considerably high. Last year, the total compensation costs paid out by SOCSO for industrial accidents and occupational diseases was over RM 1.06 billion.
Conversely, there is clear evidence that a healthy workforce can enhance business productivity, benefit enterprises and national economies by reducing the number of accidents and diseases and lowering the number of insurance and compensation claims.
The overall responsibility for providing a safe and healthy working environment rests with the employers who should demonstrate their commitment to OSH.
This can be done by building and maintaining a preventative safety and health culture that address the principles of prevention, hazard identification, risk assessment and control, information and training.
Workers on the other hand have a duty to cooperate with the employer in implementing this OSH programme. They should respect and apply procedures and other instructions designed to protect them and others present at the workplace from exposure to occupational hazards.
It is estimated that more than 2 million people die from work-related illness or accidents each year.
The World Day for Safety and health at Work, celebrated worldwide including Malaysia, is an international campaign to promote safety and health at work.
Preserving human health is a key objective of social security, promoting and creating a safety and health culture can save lives and reduce costs to society.
Tuan-tuan dan Puan-puan,
Hak untuk hidup adalah hak asasi manusia. Hak untuk bekerja di dalam suasana yang selamat dan sihat juga merupakan hak asasi seorang pekerja.
Namun demikian, setiap tahun, mengikut Pertubuhan Buruh Antarabangsa (ILO), lebih daripada 1.2 juta pekerja dinafikan hak ini dan natijahnya ialah kemalangan dan kematian dan pelbagai penyakit yang disebabkan bentuk kerja atau tempat kerja mereka yang tidak selamat dan sihat.
Di peringkat global lebih 100,000 kemalangan berlaku di tempat kerja setiap bulan, iaitu lebih dari 3,000 setiap hari, atau dua kemalangan bagi setiap minit. Fenomena ini merupakan masalah global, dan jika tidak di bendung, boleh mendatangkan musibah yang tidak dapat di terima dari segi ekonomi, sosial serta moral.
Perangkaan yang dibentangkan oleh ILO begitu membimbangkan:
1. Lebih daripada 250 juta kemalangan setahun di alami oleh para pekerja.
2. Lebih 160 juta pekerja jatuh sakit setiap tahun akibat hazard dan pendedahan kepada bahan-bahan bercahaya di tempat kerja.
3. Kemalangan dan penyakit adalah punca kepada lebih 1.2 juta kematian setiap tahun, jumlah yang melebihi kematian akibat kemalangan jalanraya di seluruh dunia.
4. Lebih 10 juta pekerja mengalami kecederaan dan penyakit yang menyebabkan kecederaan sepanjang hayat dan hilang punca pendapatan.
Mengikut badan dunia itu, walaupun kita tidak dapat meletakkan nilai harga bagi nyawa manusia, pampasan yang diberikan kepada keluarga mangsa menunjukkan bahawa empat peratus daripada keluaran kasar dalam negara hilang begitu sahaja disebabkan kos pembiayaan kemalangan dan penyakit akibat ketidakhadiran, rawatan perubatan, kecacatan serta imbuhan kepada mangsa yang terselamat.
Di negara membangun seperti Amerika Syarikat, United Kingdom, German dan Norway, kos kemalangan dianggarkan berbillion dollar.
Di negara-negara membangun, dianggarkan bahawa kematian pekerja adalah lebih lima hingga enam kali ganda berbanding negara-negara perindustrian. Ini merupakan cabaran yang besar bagi negara-negara membangun dalam menangani isu perlindungan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerja.
Terdapat juga kebimbangan terhadap isu alam sekitar. Dalam era globalisasi ini yang tiada batas sempadan, bahan-bahan berbahaya dengan bebasnya melintasi sempadan negara. Ini menimbulkan keperluan yang lebih tinggi untuk pengawasan alam sekitar.
SISTEM PENGURUSAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESIHATAN
Cara paling berkesan untuk mengurangkan kemalangan di tempat kerja adalah melalui pelaksanaan sistem pengurusan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan yang baik.
Dalam hal ini, ahli-ahli pengamal keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan perlulah bersedia memikul tanggungjawab menangani pelbagai isu keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan yang akan timbul.
Isu kritikal yang perlu diteliti dan ditangani untuk meningkatkan tahap keselamatan dan kesihatan termasuklah:
1. Pendidikan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan (OSH) dimasukkan di dalam kurikulum sekolah, kolej dan universiti.
2. Memastikan isu-isu berkenaan keselamatan dan kesihatan diberi perhatian terutamanya di peringkat reka bentuk / perancangan sesebuah projek.
3. Memastikan komitmen dan penglibatan pihak pengurusan atasan dalam isu keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan.
4. Pelaksanaan program amalan keselamatan dan kesihatan (OSH) di tempat kerja.
5. Memaparkan bahawa aktiviti perlindungan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan boleh membawa keuntungan.
Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan,
Semenjak pengemukaan Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan, OSHA 1994, bilangan kemalangan di tempat kerja telah menunjukkan penurunan yang signifikan dari 10 kemalangan untuk setiap 1,000 pekerja pada tahun 2002 kepada tahap 7 kemalangan untuk setiap 1,000 pekerja pada tahun 2007.
Namun, kadar kemalangan tersebut adalah masih tinggi jika dibandingkan dengan negara maju yang lain iaitu 3-4 kemalangan untuk setiap 1,000 pekerja.
Statistik kemalangan yang direkodkan oleh PERKESO juga secara keseluruhan telah menurun sebnayak 35% dari 86,589 kes kemalangan pada tahun 2007, ke 58,339 kes kemalangan pada tahun 2007.
Walau bagaimanapun, pada tahun 2007, PERKESO telah membayar lebih daripada RM 1.06 billion pampasan kemalangan di tempat kerja.
Jumlah yang begitu tinggi tersebut menunjukkan bahawa masih terdapat banyak ruang untuk perubahan dan pembaikan dengan isu-isu keselamatan dan kesihatan di tempat kerja.
Oleh yang demikian, NIOSH meminta supaya semua majikan memberikan perhatian yang sewajarnya terhadap keselamatan dan kesihatan para pekerja dan menjadikan OSH sebagai suatu amalan budaya kerja.
Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan,
Pada seminar kali ini juga NIOSH ingin mengambil kesempatan untuk memberikan penumpuan terhadap aspek ”Ergonomik” iaitu satu istilah yang jarang sekali kita dengar di negara ini.
Tetapi, ianya amat popular di negara maju serta di kalangan professional yang bergiat di bidang keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan.
’Ergonomik’ adalah satu bidang sains dan teknologi yang bertujuan untuk menyesuaikan penggunaan peralatan-peralatan pekerjaan, reka-bentuk tempat kerja, persekitaran tempat bekerja dan juga cara bekerja mengikut had dan kemampuan fizikal dan mental para pekerja.
Kajian-kajian yang telah dilakukan di negara-negara industri yang maju menunjukkan banyak kecederaan di kalangan para pekerja kilang melibatkan tulang belakang, sendi-sendi di tangan, kaki dan tengkuk.
Umpamanya pejabat merupakan sebuah tempat yang biasanya dianggap tidak mempunyai risiko pada keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan.
Seperti juga tempat yang lain, PEJABAT TIDAK TERKECUALI daripada hazard fizikal, biologikal, kimia dan faktor ’ergonomik’.
Hazard ini boleh mengakibatkan berlakunya kemalangan seperti terjatuh, tersepit, terlanggar dan masalah lain seperti masalah otot rangka dan kelesuan mata.
Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan 1994, seksyen 15 (1) menyatakan bahawa adalah menjadi kewajipan tiap-tiap majikan dan tiap-tiap orang yang bekerja sendiri untuk memastikan, setakat yang praktik, keselamatan, kesihatan dan kebajikan semasa bekerja semua pekerjanya.
Cara paling berkesan untuk mengurangkan kemalangan di tempat kerja adalah melalui pelaksanaan SISTEM PENGURUSAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESIHATAN PEKERJAAN yang baik.
Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan,
Sepertimana termaklum, Institut Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan Negara atau NIOSH adalah sebuah Institusi di bawah Kementerian Sumber Manusia yang dipertanggungjawabkan untuk membantu para majikan dan pekerja di negara ini bagi mempertingkatkan lagi tahap keselamatan pekerja di tempat kerja.
Peranan yang dimainkan oleh NIOSH adalah untuk mewujudkan BUDAYA KERJA SELAMAT DAN SIHAT di kalangan rakyat Malaysia.
Penggubalan dan Penguatkuasaan Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan adalah merupakan komitmen pihak Kerajaan terhadap aspek keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan di negara ini.
Selaras dengan hasrat dan matlamat inilah maka NIOSH telah ditubuhkan dengan misi dan visi untuk menjadi pusat kecemerlangan di dalam OSH dan menjadi rakan pilihan di dalam bidang OSH dengan menyediakan latihan, khidmat nasihat, menyebarkan maklumat serta menjalankan penyelidikan dalam bidang OSH.
Dan pada hari ini NIOSH mengorak langkah yang lebih besar dengan pembukaan satu lagi Pejabat NIOSH Wilayah Melaka yang bukan sahaja bertujuan untuk menyediakan dan meningkatkan tahap pelbagai perkhidmatan yang sedia ada terutamanya program Safety Passport System oleh kampus utama di Bandar Baru Bangi dan kampus cawangan di negeri Johor, tetapi juga untuk merapatkan lagi hubungan NIOSH dengan para pengamal OSH serta mereka yang terlibat dalam bidang OSH khasnya di bahagian utara Johor seperti Muar dan Segamat serta bahagian selatan Negeri Sembilan yang mempunyai kawasan-kawasan perindustrian termasuk Industri Kecil dan Sederhana atau SMI.
Pejabat NIOSH Wilayah Melaka ini adalah merupakan pejabat cawangan NIOSH YANG KE-TUJUH ditubuhkan selepas Pejabat NIOSH Wilayah Sabah yang telah dilancarkan pada 21 Mei 2007 yang lalu. Tahniah dan syabas ditujukan kepada pihak-pihak yang terlibat di dalam merealisasikan pembukaan PEJABAT NIOSH WILAYAH MELAKA.
Semoga dengan penubuhan ini, NIOSH akan dapat memberikan penerangan mengenai perkembangan terbaru Institut ini serta menyebarkan maklumat yang penting dan terkini dalam bidang OSH, bertepatan dengan pembangunan yang pesat di negeri Melaka Bandar Bersejarah ini terutamanya oleh industri perkilangan, industri minyak dan gas dan juga industri pelancongan.
Secara kesimpulan usaha-usaha ke arah mengurangkan kemalangan semasa bekerja serta mewujudkan tempat kerja yang selamat dan sihat adalah menjadi tanggungjawab semua pihak yang terlibat iaitu:- golongan pekerja, para majikan, pihak pengurusan organisasi atau syarikat serta mereka yang mencipta peralatan dan sistem yang digunakan di tempat kerja.
Sifat bertanggungjawab ini harus lahir dari kesedaran kita sendiri terhadap betapa pentingnya aspek keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan. Usaha-usaha yang dilakukan oleh kita semua untuk menjaga keselamatan dan kesihatan semasa bekerja dan di tempat kerja harus dilakukan dengan penuh komitmen, kesungguhan dan berterusan.
Sebagai mengakhiri ucapan ini saya sekali lagi ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk merakamkan ucapan terima kasih kepada semua peserta yang telah hadir untuk menjayakan program pada kali ini.
Tanpa penyertaan dari tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekalian, NIOSH tidak akan dapat melaksanakan tugas dan tanggungjawab yang di amanahkan kepadanya dengan jayanya.
Marilah sama-sama kita jadikan amalan BEKERJA DENGAN SELAMAT DAN SIHAT melalui falsafah sebagai suatu BUDAYA dalam kehidupan seluruh Masyarakat Malaysia.
DENGAN INI SAYA SUKACITANYA MERASMIKAN ‘SEMINAR AMALAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESIHATAN DI TEMPAT KERJA YANG CEMERLANG PADA PAGI INI.
SEKIAN, TERIMA KASIH.
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