New Straits Times Online, 10 December 2012

SANDAKAN: The people have been getting better protection from occupational hazards through the setting up of Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) branches here and in Tawau early this year.

DOSH director-general Datuk Dr Johari Basri said in the first 11 months, 54 compound notices were issued to employers in the state who failed to comply with regulations under the Factories and Machinery Act.

"The offences included failing to register their construction sites, or to get permits to occupy factories.

"Until now, we have collected RM192,500 from the compound notices," he said at an occupational safety and health seminar on Saturday.

His speech was read by state DOSH director Mohamad Razak Ismail. Johari said 29 of the cases were resolved with fines of RM368,500.

Among these cases were fatal accidents at the workplace and permanent disabilities, as well as failure to report accidents.

He said department had also audited 2,363 non-factory workplaces involving agricultural, services, commercial and other sectors.

"The audit shows there is a need to improve working environment practices."