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Overview of the Move to Ban Asbestos in Malaysia. Dr. T. Jayabalan MBBS , MSc Member, Academy of Occupational & Environmental Medicine Honorary Consultant, National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (WHO Collaborating Centre) Member, Health Promotion Board, M alaysia
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Overview of the Move to Ban Asbestos in Malaysia Dr. T. Jayabalan MBBS, MSc Member, Academy of Occupational & Environmental Medicine Honorary Consultant, National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (WHO Collaborating Centre) Member, Health Promotion Board, Malaysia Medical Advisor Consumers’ Association of Penang, Malaysia
Proposed Ban: Banning of asbestos (in all its forms) • Involves the Department of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH). • Consultative process-two meetings thus far- industry, academy, t and other government departments . • Slow but consistent. • Three-pronged approach. • Expected total ban in 2015.
The Three-Pronged Approach • Immediate ban of asbestos use in the workplace and ban of raw materials. • Import prohibition of raw asbestos. • Ban on asbestos material in semi and finished products.
Progress so far...... • Since it’s an order - requires only the approval of Director of DOSH. • The first draft submitted has been revised and re-submitted for legal vetting. • After the legal vetting, which would be completed shortly, the Director will sign it as an order for enforcement.
Problems thus far…. • APCO representing asbestos association presented some objections in its public meeting, to DOSH and to the Minister. • Their concerns: • Economic losses • Substitute - expensive • Substitute - dangerous • Threats of legal action
Industry • Industry nearly unanimous in support of ban. • Few objections to ban • Already researching into the use of substitutes.
Worker Representatives • One of the affiliate unions of MTUC (as in the past) objected to the ban on grounds of loss of jobs. • But by 2010, MTUC’s position took a radical change supporting the ban.
What is the status? • Final draft of a prohibitory order is now with the legal department for clearance. • Once the draft is passed, then it goes to the Cabinet for endorsement. • The order should be enforced.