A manufacturing company has been fined RM120,000 by the Sessions Court for failing to implement proper engineering controls to manage workplace noise exposure.
Sessions Court judge Roslan Hamid imposed the penalty after the company’s employer pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 18B(2) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514).
Based on the case facts, the employer failed to carry out required noise control measures as instructed by a Noise Risk Assessor, including the installation of physical noise barriers in machine operation areas.
The failure led to two employees developing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), as confirmed by an occupational health officer, due to prolonged exposure to industrial noise levels.
Under Section 18B, the offence carries a maximum penalty of RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both upon conviction.
The prosecution was handled by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Penang prosecuting officer Abdul Rahim Sabri, while investigations were conducted by enforcement officers Ir. Abdul Hafiz Ahmad and Norfaiza Fadil.
In a statement, DOSH Penang stressed that it will not compromise on enforcement against employers who fail to comply with workplace safety and health regulations.
The department added that enforcement efforts will continue to be intensified to ensure safer and healthier working environments for all employees.
