KUCHING: Knowledge on occupational health should be extended to every community and not remain confined to industries, institutions or professional circles, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said occupational health development must reach beyond major urban centres and large industrial workplaces to ensure all Sarawakians benefit from greater awareness and practical health and safety practices.
He said farmers, small business owners, plantation workers, construction workers, rural entrepreneurs and communities across the state should also have access to occupational health knowledge.
“As Sarawak continues to progress, we must ensure that occupational health development reaches beyond our major urban centres and large industrial workplaces.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that the benefits of knowledge, awareness and occupational health practices reach every community.
“Occupational health is not only relevant in large industries or corporate workplaces.
“It is equally important for farmers, small businesses, plantation workers, construction workers, rural entrepreneurs and communities across Sarawak,” he said when officiating at the 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health (ACOH) 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Abang Johari said occupational health should be translated into practical knowledge that people could apply in their workplaces and daily lives.
He commended the organisers for conducting a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme in Lubok Antu ahead of the congress, saying the initiative reflected the principle that knowledge should reach the people.
He said the programme demonstrated that occupational health awareness should not be limited to conferences or professional discussions, but shared directly with communities.
“Occupational health should not remain confined to conferences, institutions or professional circles.
“It must be translated into practical knowledge that reaches workplaces, communities and individuals in their daily lives. Knowledge must reach people,” he said.
