Use of asbestos building materials in

Malaysia: legislative measures, the

management, and recommendations for a ban
on use
Irina Safitri Zen1, Rahmalan Ahamad2, Krishna Gopal Rampal3, Wahid Omar2
1
Centre for Innovative Planning and Development (CIPD), Sustainability Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 2Sustainability Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM),
Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 3Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Serdang, Malaysia

Malaysia has partially banned the use of asbestos. The prohibition of asbestos building materials in
schools, clinics, and hospitals built by government started in 1999. Since 2005, prohibition has also been
applied to all government buildings. However, asbestos construction materials such as roof and ceiling tiles
are still sold in the market. There are no acts or regulations prohibiting the use of asbestos in private
buildings in Malaysia. Asbestos was first used for industrial purposes in Malaysia in the 1960s and the first
regulations related to asbestos have been around since the 1980s. Non-governmental organizations have
been pushing the government to impose a total ban since the 1980s. Asbestos is still used in the
manufacturing sector under the ‘‘control use’’ concept. The study found difficulties in established and
validated medical record data on asbestos-related diseases. This paper reviews existing asbestos-related
regulations and guidelines in Malaysia and discusses the urgency for a total ban in the use of asbestos in
building materials in the country. In the meanwhile, stricter enforcement of occupational safety and health
regulations related to the use and exposure of asbestos among workers in the manufacturing, construction,
maintenance, and demolition sectors has been in place.
Keywords: Asbestos, Regulations, Asbestos building materials, Asbestos-related disease (ARD), Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), Occupational
safety and health (OSH), Supply chain

Introduction workers and the residents in the buildings with

The first asbestos factory in Malaysia started its asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).4 Malaysia has
operations in 1963 as a joint venture with Japanese not ratified the ILO Convention No. 162 (C162)
and Australian companies. The main asbestos indus- concerning safety in the use of asbestos that calls for
try was confined to manufacturing asbestos products a global ban on all types of asbestos.5
such as asbestos roofing sheets, asbestos cement (AC) Data on the numbers of asbestos-related diseases
pipes, friction materials, and gaskets. Pipe manufacture (ARDs) in Malaysia are limited. The first attempt to
involved significant occupational exposure to crocido- identify the health effect of asbestos on factory
lite until 1975 and amosite until 1983.1 The first effort workers examined medical surveillance data on 1000
to manage the impact of asbestos on workers was a AC workers from 1995 to 1997. Only two cases of
partial ban prohibiting the use of blue asbestos or asbestosis and one case of bronchial cancer were
crocidolite in 1986 and promoting the ‘‘safe use’’ of found.6 According to the Ministry of Health’s
other types [Factories and Machinery (Asbestos Occupational Health Admission Report for 1999–
Process) Regulations 1986]. In 1986, the industry 2003, there were 21 cases of mesothelioma (ICD C45)
employed about 2000 workers.2 The number of work- reported during that period. The same report recorded
ers increased to 2136 with 91% exposing to chrysotile in a total of 8353 cases of malignant neoplasm of
2011.3 Asbestos use affects not only workers directly bronchus and lung (ICD C34), representing 42.8% of
employed by the industry, but also maintenance occupational cancer reported.7 Further, no mesothe-
lioma or asbestosis cases were reported in the Malaysia
Correspondence to: Irina Safitri Zen, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Office National Cancer Registry (MNCR) from 2003 to
of Asset and Development, Sustainability Unit, 81310 Johor Bahru,
Malaysia. Email: irinasafitri@utm.my 2005,6 but there were five mesothelioma cases reported

ß W. S. Maney & Son Ltd 2013

DOI 10.1179/2049396713Y.0000000028 International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 2013 VOL . 19 NO . 3 169
Zen et al. Use of asbestos building materials in Malaysia

in the MNCR 2007.8 The long latency period and Safety), CIDB (Construction Industry Deve-
(30 years) before the appearance of ARDs9 means that lopment Board), SIRIM Berhad (Standard and
the full burden of ARDs will become apparent around Industrial Research Institute), Architect Association
2010–2020, as predicted by Takahashi.10 However, Malaysia (PAM, Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia), and
official records on ARDs are limited. Inadequate Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Malaysia (IQSM).
epidemiological data on ARDs have resulted in the Similar interviews were also conducted with non-
perception that the impact of asbestos on workers in governmental organizations including the MTUC,
Malaysia is minimal. Building Workers International (BWI), Asia Pacific
Establishing comprehensive medical records of Regional Office, and the International Federation of
ARD cases represents a major challenge in develop- Metallurgy Workers.
ing the policy framework for the total ban of asbestos Data on asbestos imports were acquired from the
in Malaysia as proposed by the Malaysian Trade Statistics Department of Malaysia and database of
Union Congress (MTUC) since the 1980s.11 One of MATRADE (Malaysian External Trade Develop-
the major obstacles is the insufficient numbers of ment Corporation).
specialist doctors trained in ARD diagnosis and
treatment.3,7,11,12 Difficulties in early detection of Result and Discussion
pulmonary malignancy related to asbestos are com-
Legislative measures on the use of asbestos
mon in many countries.13 A summary of our supply chain framework analysis
of legislative measures is presented in Fig. 1. An
Sato has published on asbestos policy analysis and
explanation of the legislative measures in each stage
politics in Japan.14 In the UK, research and activism
of the supply chain is given in Table 1.
have resulted in the development of the industrial
hygiene standard setting for asbestos to determine the Import stage and the asbestos industry in
acceptable risk.15 Unfortunately, most of the OSH Malaysia
research in developing countries is still lagging behind Malaysia is not an asbestos producing country. Since
due to economic, social, and political challenges.16 2000, raw asbestos mineral has been imported using
Given the current situation in Malaysia, we take a the Harmonized System of Coding (HS Code). The
non-traditional approach to identifying the current import quantity from year 2000 to 2007 is shown in
uses of asbestos, especially asbestos building materials, Fig. 2.20 During that period, an annual average of
in this country. We used a supply chain framework 11 708 metric tons and a total of 93 664 metric tons
analysis to identify the gaps in legislative measures were imported for industrial use. From that amount,
such as policy, laws, regulations, and guidelines the top four exporting countries were Canada
associated with the use of asbestos and ACMs in (6271.524 metric tons), Brazil (4805.581 metric tons),
construction. Russia (942.023 metric tons), and South Africa
(338.512 metric tons). The import quantity decreased
Methods from 2000 to 2007. The import quantity suggests that
The analysis involves examining several stages in the ARDs may be underreported in Malaysia. Only 26
supply chain from the import, production, and cases of ARDs were reported from 1999 to 2005.6,8 In
consumption (construction and ACM use in build- comparison, Croatia imported 4000 metric tons of
ing) to removal and disposal. The approach that is asbestos minerals annually from 1995 to 2001 with
commonly referred to as supply chain management 317 of ARDs reported from 1990 to 2000.21
has been applied in various industries, management There are four documents related to asbestos at the
processes, and structural organizations.17,18 import stage (Table 1). The first two documents
We first examined documents pertaining to legis- prohibit importation of hazardous chemical materials22
lative measures on asbestos by identifying the including a prohibition on importing crocidolite
relevant government agencies, including: Public asbestos used for any purpose except research and
Works or Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Head Quarters analytical activity.23 The asbestos mineral prohibition
and several state JKR offices, Department of does not cover other types of asbestos (actinolite,
Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and anthophyllite, amosite, tremolite, and chyrsotile).
Environment, the Department of Safety and Health, Import licenses for the toxic and hazardous waste
Ministry of Human Resources, Ministry of Health, materials are issued by the Director General of
Royal Customs Department (Kastam Di Raja Environmental Department.
Malaysia), and Ministry of Higher Education. The third and fourth documents address the safety
Document review was supported by semi-structured and health of workers who handle (use, store, and
interviews19 with various government agencies as transport) asbestos minerals in the workplace. The
stated above and other relevant stakeholder such as OSH (Classification, Packaging, and Labeling of
NIOHS (National Institute of Occupational Health Hazardous Chemicals) (CPL) Regulations of 199724

170 International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 2013 VOL . 19 NO . 3

 Zen et al. Use of asbestos building materials in Malaysia

Figure 1 Supply chain of asbestos building material-related laws and regulations in Malaysia.

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 2013 VOL . 19 NO . 3 171

Zen et al. Use of asbestos building materials in Malaysia

Table 1 Legislative measures related to the use of asbestos and ACMs in Malaysia

Act, regulations, and guidelines,

Stage in supply with Department primarily
chain responsible for implementation Explanation

Import of Customs Duties Order 1996 Royal Prohibits the import of hazardous chemical
asbestos mineral Malaysian Customs Department materials (including crocidolite asbestos)
except if there is an import license or
permit from related authority.
OSH Classification, Packaging and Asbestos classified as a carcinogen under
Labeling (CPL) of Hazardous Schedule II of OSH CPL Hazardous
Chemicals Regulations 1997 Regulations 1997.
Department of Occupational
Safety Health
Provides the legal framework for classification,
packaging, and labeling for hazardous
chemicals including Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS/CSDS).
OSH (Prohibition of Use of Substance) Prohibits all uses of crocidolite except for
Order 1999 Department of research and analytical purposes.
Occupational Safety Health
OSH Use and Standard of Exposure Provides the legal framework for managing
to Chemicals Hazardous to chemical hazard to worker health.
Health Regulation (USECHH) 2000)
Department of Occupational
Safety Health.
Promotes the management of chemical
substances hazardous to the worker’s
health and the establishment of a safe and
healthy workplace environment.
Production stage Occupational Safety and Consists of four regulations as follows:
of asbestos-containing Health Act 1994 (Act 514)
building material
1. Use and Standard of Exposure to
Chemicals Hazardous to Health Regulation
(USECHH) 2000.
2. Prohibition of Use of Substance Order
1999, prohibits import of crocidolite used for
any purpose except for research and analytical activity.
3. Notification of Accident, Dangerous Occurrence,
Occupational Poisoning and Occupational
Disease Regulations (NADOPOD) 2004.
4. Classification, Packaging and Labeling
(CPL) of Hazardous Chemicals Regulations 1997.
Factories and Machinery (Asbestos Prohibits the use of crocidolite asbestos and
Process) Regulations 1986, controls the use of chrysotile and other types of
under Factories and Machinery asbestos minerals.
Act 1967 (Act 139)
The controlled use of asbestos is permitted via
a PEL of 0.1 fiber/ml, 8 hours time-weighted
average (TWA) for all types of asbestos except
crocidolite.
Factories and Machinery Act 1967 Gazetted at 1 October 1986 was an act under
(Building Operations and Works FMA 1967 which covers building operations and
of Engineering Construction) works of engineering construction.
(Safety) Regulation 1986.
The provisions of FMA 1986 are supposed to be
an addition to and not substitution or lessening
any requirements enforced by or under the FMA
1967.
The definition of ‘‘building operations’’ covers
construction, structural alteration, repair, or
maintenance of a building (including repainting,
redecoration, and external cleaning of the
structure), the demolition of a building, and the
preparation for and the laying of the foundation
of an intended building, but does not include any
operation which is the work of engineering
construction within the meaning of this Act
An inspector may require workers to be medically
examined on the disease notified under the third
schedule that includes asbestosis-inhalation of
asbestos dust or fibers.

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 Zen et al. Use of asbestos building materials in Malaysia

Table 1 Continued

Act, regulations, and guidelines,

Stage in supply with Department primarily
chain responsible for implementation Explanation

The controlled use of asbestos is permitted via a

PEL of 0.1 fiber/ml, 8 hours TWA for all types of
asbestos except crocidolite.
Uniform Building By Law (UBBL) 1984 Regulates the usage of asbestos in building
under Street, Drainage and Building materials. Thickness of asbestos cement
Act 1974 (Act 133) Ministry of Housing included in Material Weight By Law 56 (Fourth
and Local Government Schedule).

Asbestos cement sheets and asbestos cement have

been required by law for fire safety purposes.
Development and National Standard for Building Three standards have been abandoned since 2005.
consumption stage Material produces by SIRIM The three standards are:
Standard and Industrial Research
Institute of Malaysia
MS 524: 1984 (Specifications for symmetry asbestos
cement corrugated sheet).
MS 623: 1981 (Specifications for asbestos
corrugated cement flat sheet semi-solid).
MS 1087 : 1987 (Code of practice for placement
and test-field pressure of asbestos
cement pipes)
Standard Specification For Building Asbestos-containing building materials not to be
Works 2005 or JKR Spec. 2005 used in construction of government buildings.
Department of Works, Ministry of Works
Prohibition since 1999 for school buildings, health
clinics, and hospitals.
Guidelines for Public Safety and Guidelines for safe handling of asbestos issued by
Health in Development Site 2007 the Department of Occupational Safety and Health.
Guidelines for Construction of Workers Prohibits the use of asbestos building material in
Housing. Kuala Lumpur City Hall Town construction of workers’ housing.
Planning Committee, 1993.
Guidelines for Additional Small Prohibits the use of asbestos sheet and
Development in front part of Terrace zinc for roofs of terrace houses in Kuala Lumpur.
House Kuala Lumpur City Hall
Environmental Quality (Clean Air) In construction areas, any facility discharging asbestos
(Amendment) Regulations,2000 dust shall not exceed standards.
Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment.
Standard A50.4 gm/Nm3
Standard B50.2 gm/Nm3.
Standard C50.12 gm/Nm3
Demolition of buildings Occupational Safety and Health Act The act covers safety and health of all workers and all
which contain asbestos and 1994 (Act 514) Department of persons at place of work including demolition.
disposal of building material Occupational Safety and Health,
Ministry of Human Resources.
Factories and Machinery Act 1967 The regulations control factories with respect to matters
(Building Operations and Works relating to the safety, health, and welfare of person
of Engineering Construction) therein, the registration and inspection of machinery
(Safety) Regulation 1986. and for matters connected therewith.
The definition of ‘‘building operations’’ covers
construction, structural alteration, repair, or maintenance
of a building (including repainting, redecoration, and
external cleaning of the structure), the demolition of a
building, and the preparation for and the laying of the
foundation of an intended building, but does not include
any operation which is the work of engineering
construction within the meaning of this Act
The controlled use of asbestos via a PEL of 0.1 fiber/ml,
8 hours TWA for all types of asbestos except
crocidolite are applied.
Environmental Quality (Scheduled Covers asbestos waste in the form of sludge, debris
Waste) Regulations 2005 Ministry or dust generated from factory activity or building
of Natural Resources and Environment. demolition.
Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Any demolition works discharging asbestos dust shall
(Amendment) Regulations 2000. not exceed one of the standards listed bellow :
Standard A50.4 gm/Nm3
Standard B50.2 gm/Nm3
Standard C50.12 gm/Nm3

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Zen et al. Use of asbestos building materials in Malaysia

Table 1 Continued

Act, regulations, and guidelines,

Stage in supply with Department primarily
chain responsible for implementation Explanation

Code of Practice for Building Operator Did not contain regulations regarding demolition of
(Malaysian Standard/MS 282: buildings with ACMs; revoked l July 2012 under
Part 1, 1975) under Standards of subsection 15(1)
Malaysia Act 1996 [Act 549].
Code of Practice: Demolition of The contractor must prepare a
Building (Malaysian Standard/MS Safety and Health Plan for every
2318 (P) 2010) under Standards of building demolition project that
Malaysia Act 1996 [Act 549]. stated the health risk aspect of
removal, cleaned, and disposes of
asbestos-containing materials from
the building demolished according to the statutory
requirements [Refer to Environmental
Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005].
For removal of asbestos-containing material,
it was stated that ‘‘Samples are to be
taken and tested for asbestos containing
material. In the case when ACMs
are discovered, such material must be carefully
removed from the site by licensed contractor
registered under Department of Environment.
The asbestos waste should be handled,
stored and disposed of as chemical waste.’’
The safety and health of the
workers during the constructions refers
to the Factories and Machinery Act 1967
(Building Operations and Works of Engineering
Construction) (Safety) Regulation 1986.

regulate the packaging of asbestos raw material, and Occupational Safety and Healthy Act (OSHA)
the Use and Standard of Exposure of Chemicals 1994.26 OSHA was enacted to ensure the safety and
Hazardous to Health Regulation of 200025 governs health of all workers and persons at the place of work
exposure (Table 1 and Fig. 1). The objectives of the except for those in the Armed Forces and in merchant
regulations are (1) to prevent the occurrence of shipping. The concept behind OSHA 1994 is to
occupational diseases, poisoning or adverse health promote self-regulation,27 as it places responsibility
effects from the use of hazardous chemicals at the for safety and health of the workers for those who
place of work; (2) to provide a minimum standard on created the hazards and those who work with them.
the safe use of chemicals hazardous to health at the The four regulations under OSHA 1994 that relate
workplace, and (3) to stipulate the maximum allow- to asbestos are Use and Standards of Exposure of
able exposure standard for occupationally exposed Chemicals Hazardous to Health (USECHH) Regu-
personnel. lation of 2000; Classification, Packaging, and Label-
Under the Schedule II of OSH-CPL Regulations of ing (CPL) of Hazardous Chemicals Regulations of
1997, asbestos is classified as carcinogenic. Under the 1997; Notification of Accident, Dangerous Occurrence,
OSH-USECHH Regulations of 2000, there is a Occupational Poisoning, and Occupational Disease
mandatory duty to perform an assessment of health (NADOPOD) Regulations of 2004;28 and the Pro-
risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Such hibition of Use Substance Order of 1999. The first two
assessment can only be conducted by a competent regulations have been explained in the import stage, but
assessor registered with the Department of Occupa- also apply to the production stage due to the numerous
tional Safety and Health and is referred to as Chemical handling, labeling, transporting, and manufacturing
Health Risk Assessment (CHRA). The permissible activities involving exposure to asbestos materials
exposure limit (PEL) for all types of asbestos (except during the production process. The third regulation,
crocidolite) is 0.1 fiber/millimeter (fiber/ml). Employers NADOPOD Regulations of 2004 requires the notifica-
must establish control measures to prevent exposure tion of ARDs to the Department of Occupational
exceeding the PEL, provide information, instruction, Safety and Health (DOSH) by both the employers
and health surveillance program, and keep records of
and medical practitioners. The fourth regulation,
hazardous chemicals stored.
Prohibition of Use Substance Order of 1999 was ex-
Production stage plained in the Import Stage (Table 1).
At the production stage, there are several regulations The Factory and Machinery Regulations of 1986,29
controling asbestos exposure, as part of the which were imposed 26 years after the first asbestos

174 International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 2013 VOL . 19 NO . 3

 Zen et al. Use of asbestos building materials in Malaysia

and Ministry of Health) and stakeholders (e.g. PAM,

IQSM, NIOSH, and CIDB) who are involved in
government construction projects. While the circular
prohibits the use of ACMs in government building
projects, the Uniform Building By Law (UBBL) of
198432 states that asbestos cement must be used for
firefighting purposes in public buildings. This needs
to be amended in order to be coherent with the JKR
Specifications of 2005. Another document, National
Standard for Building Material produced by SIRIM,
recently revoked three specification standards related
to ACMs (see Table 1). Some local authorities’
guidelines support the ban in ACMs for the devel-
Figure 2 The quantity of asbestos import in Malaysia during opment or construction purposes. Asbestos dust
2000–2007. exposure during construction is regulated by the
Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations
200033,34 (see Table 1).
factory started operation, regulate the ‘‘controlled Though various forms of ban have been imple-
use’’ of asbestos via a PEL of 0.1 fiber/ml, 8 hours mented on the use of ACMs, as yet there is no data
TMA for all types of asbestos except crocidolite. In on the percentage of buildings with ACMs. Asbestos
addition, the regulation requires the medical surveil- roofs are common in low-income houses in villages,
lance of the workers and keeps the workers’ medical government quarters, and factories.35,36 Although it
historical report in the factory for at least 20 years. It is difficult to find asbestos roofs in the modern
also prohibits smoking in the asbestos processing residential houses, asbestos ceilings are still available
area. The regulation requires training on its provi- on the market.37 Various studies have shown a
sions regarding occupational hazards awareness for potential link between continuous asbestos exposure
workers. at low concentration in public buildings and schools
and an increased incidence of lung cancer.38–44
Consumption stage: construction and users
At this stage, the use of asbestos during the planning Demolition and waste disposal stage
and construction involves various stakeholders such There is no current prohibition of asbestos use in
as architects, engineers, contractors, and building private buildings, and as stated above, the ban on
surveyors (Box B, Fig. 1). Construction workers asbestos use in government buildings only started in
would be the first to get exposed to the asbestos dust 2005. Therefore, ACMs construction wastes such as
during work. AC pipes, ceramics, roofs, and tiles are not only
The Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (Building generated from removal and demolition of private
Operations and Works of Engineering Construction) buildings but also from government buildings built
(Safety) Regulation 198630 covers the building opera- before 2005. Asbestos waste amounted to 143.01 t/
tions such as construction, structural alteration, year or 0.01% of all scheduled wastes in 2008.45 The
repair, or maintenance of a building (including re- process of replacing the asbestos sheets in the schools,
painting, redecoration, and external cleaning of the clinics, and old government building comes under the
structure). It is subject to the Controlled Use of Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (Building
asbestos under the Factory and Machinery Regula- Operations and Works of Engineering Construction)
tions of 1986. The controlled use of asbestos via a PEL (Safety) Regulation 1986. These works need to be
of 0.1 fiber/ml, 8 hours TWA for all types of asbestos highlighted.
except crocidolite is applied. The safety and health of demolition workers is
Though asbestos building material is still profitable covered under the the Factories and Machinery Act
in the market, a ban on its use in government schools 1967 (Building Operations and Works of Engineering
and clinics/hospitals was implemented in 1999. The Construction) (Safety) Regulation 1986,29 Standards
prohibition was extended to all government building of Malaysia Act 1996 [Act 549],46 Code of Practice
projects in 2005.31 The JKR Specification (2005) for Building Demolition (Malaysian Standard/MS
requires the use of asbestos-free building material but 2318: 2012)47 for Building Demolition required con-
does not support with specific regulations on the tractors to prepare safety and health plan for removal
prohibition. The Public Works Department has been and demolition of ACM-containing buildings.32,47,48
distributing circulars to other relevant government Two regulations under the Environmental Quality
agencies (Ministry of Education, Ministry of Works Act (EQA) (Act 127) 1974;52 Environmental Quality

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 2013 VOL . 19 NO . 3 175

Zen et al. Use of asbestos building materials in Malaysia

(Clean Air) (Amendment) Regulations 200032 and the asbestos in existing buildings and new private
Scheduled Waste Regulations of 200549 (Table 1 and buildings. Currently, the Factories and Machinery
Act 1967 (Building Operations and Works of
Fig. 1) cover asbestos waste and dust discharge into Engineering Construction) (Safety) Regulation
the air from all sources including demolition work. 198629 regulates the safety and health of the
Another source of ACMs waste is from the re- workers exposed to ACMs during their works by
placement of AC pipes used extensively in the using the definition of Control Use of asbestos in
public water supply. AC pipes run about 45 746 km the factories. This definition needs to be redefined
by taking into account the various types of
or 50% of the length of water pipes (91 247 km) in
maintenance works.
Malaysia.50 The replacement of AC pipes in dry 5. Amendments to the Uniform Building By-Laws
conditions led to exposure of workers to asbestos (UBBLs) under the Building, Street and Drainage
dust released in the process. This work has regula- Act: The UBBLs still contain an option for the use
ted under the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 of ACM in private buildings. For the safety and
health of the occupants and maintenance workers
(Building Operations and Works of Engineering
in these buildings, priority should be given to ban
Construction) (Safety) Regulation 1986,29 Environ- asbestos in existing buildings by amending this
mental Regulations (Clean Air) (Amendment) Re- Act.
gulations 2000,32 and subject to new Code of Practice
for Building Demolition (MS 2318: 2012).47 Conclusion
The supply chain approach applied in this study
Interim recommendations in advance of a ban succeeded in identifying the current status and the
ACMs are still being used widely in Malaysian regulatory gaps related to the use of asbestos in
buildings, especially in rural areas, despite the fact buildings. Initiatives from the Malaysian government
that their use has been prohibited in schools and in banning ACMs in construction development
hospitals/clinics beginning in 1999 and in all govern- display a serious commitment to public health.
ment building projects since 2005. While a ban is However, the material remains available in public
necessary to adequately control future exposures, markets, especially in suburban and rural areas. In
interim measures may be taken to protect the public further, the specific concern on the public health and
health while working toward a ban. These include the the workers needs to emphasize on the tight definition
urgency of a nationwide asbestos building survey to of control use of asbestos for various types of
determine the profile and status of ACM in existing maintenance work.
construction. Hence, the following measures should Managing the risk of asbestos will not be a
be taken while working toward a ban: straightforward chore due to the long latency period
1. Cooperation among related government agencies: of ARDs and the cooperation required across
various Malaysian government agencies are
government agencies in order to develop comprehen-
involved in OSH, including DOSH, Ministry of
Human Resources, Department of Public Health sive regulatory frameworks.
(DPH), Ministry of Health, National Institute of It is time for a total ban of asbestos in Malaysia.
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and This call is not new and has been reiterated by
Ministry of International Trade and Industry various stakeholders for many years. A total ban on
(MITI). These agencies should respond to the asbestos will not entail a high cost to Malaysia. It has
earlier efforts from the Department of Works,
Ministry of Works. There is a need for collabora-
already substantially reduced the import of asbestos,
tive efforts across several policy domains, including and use of ACMs in government building construc-
public health, industry, commerce and trade, and tion has been gradually phased out. The medical cost
environment.51 and treatment of the workers would burden the
2. Taxation on chrysotile: The tax free import of country in the long run. This study provides a
chrysotile by manufacturers who produce asbestos framework for a total ban on asbestos in Malaysia
roofing results in cheaper but hazardous building
products in Malaysia. These products are used for that has taken too long at the expense of the health of
low-cost housing, placing those in the lower-income the Malaysian workforce and the public.
groups at a greater risk. The introduction of a tax on
chrysotile would help in discouraging the use of Discloure
asbestos-based products and encourage the use of The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
asbestos-free substitutes until a total ban of asbestos
is in place.12 References
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