What Is DOSH? Roles, Functions & Responsibilities in Malaysia

DOSH (Department of Occupational Safety and Health), also known as JKKP in Malaysia, is the government authority responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health laws.
March 2, 2026 by
What Is DOSH? Roles, Functions & Responsibilities in Malaysia
CONZLAB BERHAD 202301040401 (1534320P), Jeffrey Eh

What Is DOSH?

Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), also known as Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (JKKP), is a government department under the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia.

Its primary mission is simple:

To protect the safety, health, and welfare of workers in Malaysia.

DOSH ensures that workplaces including factories, construction sites, hotels, offices, restaurants, industrial plants, and workshops operate safely and comply with Malaysian occupational safety laws.

Laws Enforced by DOSH

DOSH enforces key workplace safety legislation in Malaysia, including:

  • Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994 / Act 514)
  • Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (FMA 1967 / Act 139)

Under these laws, employers are legally required to:

  • Provide a safe working environment
  • Conduct safety training
  • Supply appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Ensure machinery and equipment are properly maintained
  • Manage workplace hazards

Failure to comply may result in fines, penalties, prosecution, or worksite closure.

Scope of DOSH’s Responsibilities

DOSH oversees multiple areas of occupational safety:

1. Occupational Safety

Monitoring workplace safety practices and compliance standards.

2. Occupational Health

Managing exposure to:

  • Hazardous chemicals
  • Excessive noise
  • Heat stress
  • Industrial vibrations

3. Machinery & Equipment Safety

Approving and inspecting industrial equipment.

4. Chemical Safety Management

Regulating hazardous substances under occupational health regulations.

5. Construction Safety

Ensuring compliance for scaffolding, cranes, gondolas, and work-at-height activities.

6. Enforcement & Accident Investigation

DOSH conducts:

  • Workplace inspections
  • Compliance audits
  • Investigation of industrial accidents

In cases involving explosions, industrial fires, gas poisoning, or fatal falls, DOSH leads official investigations to determine root causes and liability.

Core Roles of DOSH

Ensuring Workplace Safety

DOSH ensures employers:

  • Follow safety procedures and regulations
  • Provide PPE such as helmets, gloves, and masks
  • Implement emergency response plans
  • Conduct safety training programs

The goal is to reduce workplace accidents and occupational injuries.

Regulating High-Risk Machinery & Equipment

Certain machinery must be registered and inspected before use, including:

  • Boilers
  • Pressure vessels
  • Air receiver tanks
  • Forklifts and cranes
  • Steam generators

These machines cannot legally operate without inspection and approval from DOSH.

Approving Competent Persons (CP)

DOSH certifies and regulates qualified technical professionals such as:

  • Boilermen
  • Steam Engineers
  • Construction Safety Supervisors
  • Chemical Health Assessors (CHA)
  • Authorized Gas Testers

This ensures only trained and certified individuals handle high-risk industrial operations.

How DOSH Is Connected to MyKKP

MyKKP is the official digital platform used by DOSH for regulatory management.

Through MyKKP, businesses and professionals can:

  • Apply for Competent Person certification
  • Register high-risk machinery
  • Schedule inspections
  • Submit documentation
  • Make official payments online

MyKKP streamlines safety administration, improves transparency, and centralizes compliance data.

Why Understanding DOSH Is Important

Understanding DOSH’s role helps businesses:

✔ Know why certain documents are required

✔ Avoid application errors

✔ Prepare properly for inspections

✔ Comply with workplace safety laws

✔ Reduce risk of penalties and shutdowns

DOSH is not merely an enforcement agency, it exists to prevent workplace injuries, fatalities, and industrial disasters.

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What Is DOSH? Roles, Functions & Responsibilities in Malaysia
CONZLAB BERHAD 202301040401 (1534320P), Jeffrey Eh March 2, 2026
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