UUM Journal of Legal Studies

TR SANDAH: WITHERING JUDICIAL ACTIVISM

Nurulizwan Ahmad Zubir, Izawati Wook — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

This study discusses the Federal Court judgment in the case of Director of Forest, Sarawak & Anor v. TR Sandah Tabau & Ors and other appeals [2017] 3 CLJ 1. The Federal Court’s decision was said to deviate from an earlier established principle of the common law recognition of existing indigenous peoples’ land rights, the content and extent of which are determined by community customary laws. The common law acknowledgement or recognition of indigenous peoples’ pre-existing rights to their traditional and customary lands held by the Federal Court in Adong bin Kuwau v Kerajaan Negeri Johor [1997] 1 MLJ 418 and Madeli Salleh v. Superintendent of Lands & Surveys & Anor [2005] 3 CLJ 697 complimented the existing safeguards given under the Federal Constitution and statutory laws relevant to Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak. Therefore, this study aims to examine whether the Federal Court’s decision in TR Sandah FC reflects judicial conservatism by giving preference to statutory laws passed by the elected officials that resulted in the regression of the recognition of the indigenous peoples’ customary land rights. The method adopted in this study is a qualitative approach via doctrinal legal research. This is a text-based examination of legal texts and other scholarly materials. This shows judges in Malaysia are said to play a more conservative role in the interpretation of legislation. It would be fundamental to highlight the development of the judicial treatment of the indigenous peoples’ land rights in Malaysia and its implications.

THE IMPACT OF MANDATORY COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY IN INDONESIA: LEGAL AND BIOETHICS PERSPECTIVES

Arsyzilma Hakiim, Rahayu Hartini — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

The Indonesian government has made significant efforts to provide vaccines as a solution to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. However, while some individuals have received the vaccine, others have refused due to fear and doubts about its safety and halal status. The implementation of a policy mandating COVID-19 vaccination by the government has both advantages and disadvantages. According to the policy, individuals who refuse to vaccinate will face administrative and criminal sanctions. Therefore, this research aims to provide a summary of the mandatory COVID-19 immunization policy, particularly in Indonesia, from both a legal and bioethical perspective. A legal approach and normative bioethical principles were used to analyze applicable legal norms and bioethical principles, utilizing literature research. Legal materials included Law Number 4 of 1984 concerning Outbreaks of Infectious Diseases, Law Number 36 of 2009 concerning Health, Article 28H of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, and Article 34 paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution. Meanwhile, the source of bioethical data used was the Universal Declaration of Bioethical and Human Rights. Instead of implementing a mandatory vaccination policy containing elements of criminal sanctions, the government should actively engage with the community and analyze why there are still doubts regarding COVID-19 vaccination. This would be a more effective and humane strategy for providing health protection. A mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy should be based on a comprehensive strategy and ongoing efforts, taking into account legal and bioethical aspects.

TO WHAT EXTENT THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PALESTINIAN BASIC LAW DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Ahmed Mohammad Hamad, Haslinda Mohd. Anuar, Rohizan Halim — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised consciousness across the globe of how constitutions respond to crises. This article examines the issue of the Palestinian President declaring a state of emergency in Palestine on March 5, 2020, under Presidential Decree No. 1 of 2020, to confront the spread of the Coronavirus. However, the President continues to extend the thirty-day state of emergency ten times. In addition, the article discusses a crucial issue associated with the extent to which the extended constitution of emergency in Palestine lasts, as the Basic Law only allows him to declare the state of emergency for a one-time limit. The article aims to clarify the constitutionality of the extension of the state of emergency in Palestine, in addition to placing some legal alternatives to avoid the President’s breach of the Basic Law. To achieve the objectives of the article, socio-legal research using a qualitative approach and face-to-face interviews was adopted. Accordingly, findings show the inconsistency of the extension of the state of emergency with the Basic Law due to the suspension of the role of the Legislative Council in Palestine. The article emphasizes and recommends that the role of the Legislative Council shall be activated to oversee the presidential decrees extending a state of emergency issued by holding the legislative elections in Palestine.

COMPULSORY VACCINATION OF COVID-19: A DILEMMA BETWEEN ENSURING PUBLIC HEALTH AND RESPECTING INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM

Zahirul Bashar, Sabrina Mahisha Mahboob — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

In recent years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has suffered and undergone a radical transformation. At the beginning of 2020, the world was at the mercy of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a ray of hope shone upon the world with the development of COVID-19 vaccination. Even though everyone needs to get vaccinated, it prompts a question about whether people can be forced to get vaccinated or if they should be able to choose for themselves. A welfare state must protect its citizens’ health. Despite this, citizens have reasons to be vaccinated against the virus. This paper discusses the abovementioned issue by analyzing judicial decisions, international legal instruments and contemporary data on pandemic situations. This study aimed to address the dilemma of mandatory vaccination and the independence of those who choose to vaccinate. The study revealed that a state can impose mandatory vaccination in certain situations, subject to legal and practical constraints. In contrast, individual freedom is always respected because human rights are vested in international and domestic law. While enforcing vaccination policies, an equitable balance between an authoritarian measure to protect public health and granting an exception to specific individuals, as well as honouring human rights, is the paramount approach.

THE SMALL CLAIM COURTS DURING COVID-19: ANALYSIS OF INDONESIAN BANKS’ CLAIMS ON BAD CREDIT

Umi Khaerah Pati, Kukuh Tejomurti, Pujiyono Pujiyono, Pranoto Pranoto — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

The purpose of this study is to discuss the suitability of small claim courts to solve bad credit claims that are filed by banks as an alternative to dispute contract defaults. The study analyses the trend of banks’ small claims during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employed an empirical normative approach. It combines a normative legal approach and additional empirical elements in the form of cases and decisions. The results show that some of the regulations that were released before the pandemic, such as the Regulation of the Supreme Court Number 4 of 2019 on the Settlement of Small Claim Courts, provide benefits for banks to settle credit disputes because they allow various expansions. The Regulation of the Supreme Court Number 3 of 2018 on The Administration of Cases in Electronic Courts has introduced some electronic applications. Although business (bank) litigation remains dominant, the trend of bank claims in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic has dropped. In contrast, the trend of individual claims has increased significantly. The decline is influenced by countercyclical policies that are issued by the Financial System Stability Committee. The committee members consist of representatives of the Ministry of Finance, Bank Indonesia, the Financial Services Authority, and the Deposit Insurance Corporation. It aims to handle and cope with the banks’ crisis related to the pandemic.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND ETHICAL LIMITATIONS TO MALAYSIAN JUDICIARY

Teoh Shu Yee, Shahrul Mizan Ismail, Safinaz Mohd Hussein — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

The use of social media is widely accepted as an important tool to spread information easily and quickly. Judges must read and share opinions towards current and latest information using social media. As such, compliance with the adoption and exchange of information through the responsible use of social media for joint discussions is expected from judges and judicial members. The public confidence in the judicial system will diminish if the judges display improper online conduct. Therefore, the objective of this article is to identify the ethical limitation of the judges’ capacity in using social media for the maintenance of judicial integrity. By summarizing and reviewing the existing relevant framework, this article proposes a persistent and reasonable guideline on the use of social media for the judiciary following the growing risks posed by social media. Furthermore, judges and judicial officers might better exercise extreme care while requesting and accepting friend requests, including social media postings to avoid the manifestation of safety. Local judicial ethics advisory opinions are needed to prepare revised guidelines following the changing social media features.

WAQF LAND DEVELOPMENT FOR PRIVATE TAHFIZ SCHOOLS IN THE STATE OF PERLIS, MALAYSIA: PROCEDURES AND ADVANTAGES

Rohayati Hussin, Asmadi Mohammed Ghazali, Noor Syahidah Mohamad Akhir — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Waqf is a state matter subject to state laws, given the position of the State Islamic Religious Council (SIRC) as the ‘sole trustee’ of waqf properties in their respective states. In legal terms, any party that intends to apply waqf and any waqf activities established in Private Tahfiz Schools (PTS) requires the permission of the SIRC. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the legal procedures for developing PTS on waqf land in Perlis, Malaysia, including the advantages of acquiring the permission of Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs). The qualitative research methodology was applied in this research, which featured the doctrinal approach in examining state enactments, past studies, and semi-structured interviews involving several respondents who had extensive experiences with the subject under study. Subsequently, analysis was conducted on the collected data through the content analysis technique. The implications from this research offer numerous advantages for PTS in Perlis to ensure its sustainability. This study offers a clear understanding to individuals who intend to implement waqf in their PTS in Perlis, Malaysia.

SHARIAH ISSUES OF OWNERSHIP AND POSSESSION OF ASSET-BASED SUKUK STRUCTURE: A SHARIAH SCHOLARS’ PERSPECTIVE

Ibraheem Alani AbdulKareem, Mohd Sadad Mahmud — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Sukuk serves as an instrument in the global Islamic financial market, which has experienced expansion in recent years. Despite this notable growth, Sukuk encounters Shariah-related concerns pertaining to the possession of underlying assets. This study investigates the Shariah perspective on Sukuk investors without full ownership or possession of the underlying asset under asset-based Sukuk. This study adopted a qualitative method and used primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was gathered from eight participants through semi- structured interviews with Shariah experts in Malaysia and Nigeria. NVivo 10 was used the analyse the data thematically. This study used relevant resources such as respected journals, textbooks, newspapers, and other relevant sources for secondary data. Our findings show that the Sukuk holders must take possession of underlying assets during the duration of the project. Therefore, it is illegal for a person to sell assets that he or she does not own. A complete ownership transfer must occur, allowing Sukuk investors to lease the asset back to the government or issuer. The findings also reveal that the legal system of the country where the Sukuk was issued is one of the factors that restricts investors from receiving the underlying asset of Sukuk, particularly in asset-based Sukuk. The study’s consequences include that the stakeholder’s isuue is Sukuk under Shariah legislation, attracting investors to participate in Shariah-compliant investments. Moreover, it is recommended that investors use underlying assets during Sukuk projects to avoid gharar.

THE VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TENURE RIGHTS- COMPANIES VS TRADITIONAL COMMUNITIES IN INDONESIA

Yanto Sufriadi, Laily Ratna, Syarifudin Syarifudin — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Over the past 12 years, the escalation of violence in conflicts arising from disputes over natural resource management rights between corporations and indigenous communities has become a growing concern across all regions of Indonesia. This abstract introduction highlights the urgent need to address the rising tensions and clashes associated with the competing claims to and utilization of natural resources in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the causes of violence and conflict resolution over natural resources using an empirical legal study with a socio-legal approach adopted through a case study in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. Informants for the study were selected using a snowball sampling technique, ensuring a diverse and representative range of perspectives. Secondary data was obtained through a literature study by tracing information from journals, books, and the internet, and data analysis was carried out qualitatively. Furthermore, an analysis was performed on the findings of other studies concerning instances of violence in conflicts related to forest and mining resources. This research found that (1). The violence occurred because the company did not respect the customary community’s natural resource control rights. (2). However, violence can be stopped through violence or mediation (3). Resolution of violence in conflict can only be done through mediation. The authors recommend that: (1). The practice of resolving violence in conflicts of rights over natural resources through mediation needs to be strengthened by the government to realize justice for all. (2). In indigenous communities, apart from state law, the legal landscape is still heavily influenced by customary law and religious law.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION IN MALAYSIA: INTERNATIONAL LEGAL INSTRUMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS UNDER NATIONAL LAW

Khairul Anuar Abdul Hadi, Rohana Abdul Rahman , Zainal Amin Ayub — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

The acceptance of Freedom of Information (FOI) as a fundamental mechanism for enhancing accountability and transparency in the public sector is widely recognized. Numerous international legal instruments (Conventions) have advocated for the establishment and enforcement of legal frameworks pertaining to the FOI. The FOI legislation serves two essential functions, namely enhancing democratic engagement and mitigating corruption within the public sphere. Despite the acceptability of FOI on the global stage, Malaysia lacks a comprehensive legal framework to address the right to access information, except for Selangor and Penang. Additionally, there are various national legislations that hinder the exercise of FOI. This article’s objective is to examine the use of the FOI concept within the framework of international legal instruments as well as the challenges posed by Malaysian national laws that impose limitations on its implementation. The objective is achieved by employing a doctrinal methodology that incorporates international legal instruments as well as Malaysia’s legislations (Constitution, Acts and Enactments) pertaining to the FOI. The findings show the restrictions under national law make it difficult to implement FOI legal regimes in Malaysia. This paper argues that implementing FOI can only be materialized through a comprehensive review of existing laws and administrative structure reform by adapting universal standards on FOI as stated under international legal instruments. This article serves as guidelines for policymakers intending to address FOI as the anti-corruption mechanism in public sectors. Moreover, recommendations are made for the implementation of FOI into Malaysia’s domestic laws.

ESTABLISHING AN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL COURT IN SAUDI ARABIA: LESSONS FROM DUBAI AND SINGAPORE

Ibrahim Mathker Saleh Alotaibi — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

This article discusses the need and the benefits of establishing an international commercial court in Saudi Arabia. Since Saudi Arabia’s legal system has been criticized regarding its openness to international investments, this issue is observed from the perspective of potential investors and business partners interested in doing business in Saudi Arabia. The aim is to determine how setting up a specialized international commercial court will improve the environment for investments and remove legal uncertainties that arise from the lack of such courts. Furthermore, a brief overview of the international rise of commercial courts worldwide will be provided, with comparative examples of the courts in Dubai and Singapore to reveal how those jurisdictions have adapted to the global economy and ensured their positions as regional leaders and investment hubs. The essential procedural rules will be highlighted to provide ideas and directions for Saudi Arabia. Finally, this article will discuss the challenges the Kingdom faces in the race to become the regional investment leader, and then provide some key takeaways. The objective of this article will be to explain how Saudi Arabia will overcome the challenges in establishing an international commercial court that will specialize in the application and interpretation of international commercial regulations, and why the setting up of an international commercial court will have a positive effect on the attraction of foreign investors to do business in the Kingdom. This will be achieved by examining and discussing Dubai and Singapore as comparative legal systems that have already established flexible dispute resolution forums which have been recognized worldwide.

ADOPTION OF THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE ON THE SAFETY AND HEALTH RISKS OF NANOFOOD IN MALAYSIA

Nor Akhmal Hasmin, Zinatul Ashiqin Zainol, Anida Mahmood, Juan Matmin — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Food derived from nanotechnology or contains engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is widely available for consumers in the marketplace. Oral exposure to ENMs has been linked to various potential adverse effects on human safety and health. In Malaysia, nanofood is regulated with a regulatory framework designed for conventional food without considering the unique and novel properties of ENMs. The adequacy of the existing framework for regulating the safety and health risks of nanofood is ambiguous. This study examined the necessity for Malaysia of having such regulatory framework to govern the safety and health risks of nanofood using the precautionary principle. By adopting the doctrinal analysis, the finding suggests that the existing food safety framework must be amended to incorporate specific provisions on nanotechnology, and that the amendment must be based on the precautionary principle. The new regulatory framework enables the food safety authority to implement the earliest precautionary measure, protecting consumers from serious future harm caused by nanofood. The proposed regulatory framework will strengthen the domestic food safety framework and national food safety policy in meeting the challenge posed by nanofood.

MENGEKANG IMPAK NEGATIF SHARENTING: SATU KAJIAN TENTANG KETERLIBATAN AGENSI KERAJAAN DAN BADAN BUKAN KERAJAAN KETIKA PANDEMIK COVID-19 (Curbing the Negative Impact of Sharenting: A Study on the Involvement of Government Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations During the Covid-19 Pandemic)

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Perkataan sharenting pada asasnya ialah gabungan daripada dua perkataan bahasa Inggeris iaitu sharing dan parenting. Istilah sharenting merujuk kepada fenomena perkongsian foto dan video anak-anak serta maklumat pengenalan diri yang lain oleh ibu bapa pada akaun media sosial mereka sendiri. Penggunaan lazim media sosial sebagai platform untuk perkongsian yang kebiasaannya mempunyai perlindungan privasi yang sangat minimum, telah mewujudkan kebimbangan dalam masyarakat. Sepanjang tempoh Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) yang dikuatkuasakan kerana penularan wabak COVID-19, penggunaan media sosial sebagai medium penyebaran maklumat dan perkongsian bukanlah sesuatu yang asing. Ia menjadi sebahagian daripada norma baharu kehidupan apabila pertemuan bersemuka menjadi sukar atau mustahil disebabkan oleh beberapa faktor. Ditambah pula dengan kewujudan pelbagai aplikasi yang kebanyakannya dapat diakses secara percuma melalui capaian Internet dan telefon pintar mudah alih. Percambahan perkongsian tentang kehidupan seharian termasuk aktiviti sharenting berlaku secara berleluasa tanpa sekatan. Di sebalik kesan positif daripada perkongsian ini, wujud implikasi negatif kepada fizikal, mental dan spiritual kanak-kanak. Bertunjangkan kepada mengawal impak negatif sharenting terhadap kanak-kanak, artikel ini memfokuskan peruntukan undang-undang sedia ada yang melindungi kanak-kanak di Malaysia selain mengenal pasti peranan agensi kerajaan dan badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) di Malaysia dalam menangani isu sharenting. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah penyelidikan kualitatif bagi menghuraikan peranan agensi kerajaan dan NGO dalam membendung kesan buruk daripada perbuatan sharenting. Analisis data dibuat melalui kaedah penelitian terhadap beberapa dokumen statut utama seperti Akta Kanak-Kanak 2001; Akta Kesalahan-Kesalahan Seksual terhadap Kanak-kanak 2017; dan Akta Komunikasi dan Multimedia 1998 di samping hasil temu bual yang dijalankan dengan beberapa orang responden untuk menghalusi isu ini dengan lebih mendalam dan praktikal. Artikel ini menyimpulkan bahawa mekanisme kawalan perlulah mengimbangi hak ibu bapa terhadap anak-anak tanpa meminggirkan hak anak-anak. Dalam keadaan konflik antara hak- hak tersebut, kebajikan anak-anak perlulah diberikan keutamaan. Oleh itu, kerjasama daripada pelbagai pihak termasuk agensi kerajaan dan NGO amat diperlukan kerana peranan yang dimainkan oleh setiap pihak adalah berbeza-beza demi mengurangkan impak negatif daripada perbuatan sharenting.

Abstract

Sharenting is a combination of sharing and parenting. The term ‘sharenting’ refers to the growing phenomenon of parents sharing photos and videos of their children, as well as other identifying information, on their own social media accounts. It is the habitual use of these platforms, which often have minimal privacy protection, causing concern in the community. Throughout the implementation of Movement Control Order (MCO) due to the spread of COVID-19, the use of social media as a medium of dissemination of information and sharing is not uncommon. It became part of the new norm of life when face-to-face encounters become difficult or impossible due to several factors, coupled with the existence of a variety of apps that are mostly accessible for free with the availability of Internet access and smartphones, the proliferation of sharing about everyday life including sharenting activities taking place without restrictions. Despite the positive effects of sharing, there are negative physical, mental and spiritual implications for children. Focusing on controlling the negative impacts of sharenting on children, this study focuses on the provisions of existing laws that protect children in Malaysia and identify the role of government agencies and NGOs in Malaysia in addressing this sharenting issue. Using qualitative research methods, this study describes the role of government and NGOs in curbing the adverse effects of these sharenting acts. Data were analysed using the content analysis method to several statutes such as the Child Act 2001, Sexual Offences against Children Act 2017 and Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and findings from interviews with several respondents to further refine this issue. This article concludes that control mechanisms must be balanced between parental rights towards children without marginalizing children’s rights. In the event of a conflict between these rights, the welfare of children should be given priority. Therefore, the cooperation of various parties including government agencies and NGOs, is needed to mitigate the negative impact of the sharenting act by acknowledging the different roles played by each party.

Keywords: sharenting, laws, government agencies, NGOs, children’s rights.

ANALISA TERHADAP UNDANG-UNDANG PERJUDIAN DALAM TALIAN DI MALAYSIA (Analysis on the Online Gambling Laws in Malaysia)

Sahanah Kathirvelu, Mohamad Rizal Abd Rahman — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Kekerapan laporan tentang aktiviti perjudian dalam talian yang dipaparkan menerusi media cetak dan elektronik menunjukkan bahawa tindakan segera perlu diambil untuk mengatasi gejala ini di Malaysia. Namun begitu, undang-undang substantif sahaja tidak memadai untuk menangani situasi ini kerana penguatkuasaan yang efektif adalah sama penting untuk mengawal berlakunya pelanggaran undang-undang tersebut. Oleh itu, artikel ini mempunyai objektif untuk menjalankan penyelidikan awal terhadap undang-undang sedia ada dan isu-isu yang berkaitan dengan perjudian dalam talian di Malaysia. Di samping itu, penulisan ini juga bertujuan mencungkil kesedaran tentang isu-isu yang timbul akibat wujudnya kelompangan dalam undang-undang tersebut. Penulisan ini bertujuan mengesyorkan hala tuju bagi penyelidikan-penyelidikan akan datang berkenaan perjudian dalam talian di Malaysia. Artikel ini menggunakan kerangka kajian perundangan tulen yang bersifat kualitatif, iaitu data-data dikumpulkan melalui kajian perpustakaan dan temu bual untuk meneroka isu-isu berhubung dengan perjudian dalam talian di Malaysia. Pendekatan analisis kritikal telah diguna pakai dalam menganalisis data daripada penulisan, jurnal, berita dan rujukan lain yang terdahulu berkaitan dengan perjudian dalam talian. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa undang-undang perjudian dalam talian agak ketinggalan dan hal ini dikenal pasti sebagai suatu kelompangan. Selain itu, hasil kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa pindaan terhadap Akta Rumah Perjudian Terbuka 1953 perlu dilakukan segera untuk membantu agensi penguatkuasaan mengatasi krisis ini.

Abstract

An increase in print and electronic media headlines highlighting the prevalence of illegal online activities indicate that immediate action should be taken to combat this issue in Malaysia. However, substantive law alone is insufficient to address the current situation, as effective enforcement is equally important for monitoring the violation of these laws. Hence, the objective of this article is to conduct a preliminary investigation of current laws and key issues related to online gambling laws in Malaysia while also raising awareness of issues that have arisen due to the lacuna in the existing laws. Subsequently, this article aims to propose directions for future studies on online gambling laws in Malaysia. This study employed qualitative doctrinal research in which data was gathered through library research and interviews to explore issues related to online gambling in Malaysia. Critical analysis was applied to analyze data from previous articles, journals, news, and other references concerning online gambling. This study finds that the laws governing online gambling are significantly outdated, and they represent a legal gap. Furthermore, the review reveals that the nation urgently requires amendments to the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 (CGHA) to assist the enforcement agencies in managing the current crisis.

Keywords: Online gambling, online crime, online betting, Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 (CGHA).

PENGUATKUASAAN PEMATUHAN PERUNDANGAN BERKAITAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESIHATAN PEKERJAAN DI SEKTOR PEMBINAAN (Enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health related Legal’s Compliances in Construction Sector)

Syazwan Syah Zulkifly, Mokhtar Zamimi Ranjan — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Dalam konteks tempat kerja, sektor binaan menyumbang kepada kes kemalangan maut tertinggi di Malaysia. Pematuhan terhadap perundangan berkaitan keselamatan dan kesihatan pekerjaan (KKP) adalah penting bagi memastikan pekerja di tapak binaan selamat dan sihat. Akta Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan 1994 (OSHA 1994) dan Akta Kilang dan Jentera 1967 (FMA 1967) yang dikuatkuasakan oleh Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (DOSH) memperuntukkan tanggungjawab para majikan dalam memastikan keselamatan, kesihatan dan kebajikan para pekerja mereka, termasuk yang di tapak binaan. Objektif kajian ini ialah untuk mengetengahkan analisis penguatkuasaan bagi pematuhan perundangan KKP oleh DOSH terhadap sektor binaan di Malaysia. Kajian ini merupakan kajian penerokaan melalui kaedah menganalisis data sekunder berkaitan yang diperoleh daripada DOSH.Hasil analisis data-data tersebut menunjukkan DOSH memfokuskan pendekatan progresif dengan mengeluarkan notis bagi ketidakpatuhan yang ditemui. Analisis data juga mendapati DOSH menumpukan tindakan punitif berkaitan OSHA 1994 yang mempunyai skop lebih luas berbanding dengan FMA 1967 yang tertumpu pada keselamatan berkaitan jentera. Dapatan kajian menemukan tindakan punitif yang dikenakan pada majikan di sektor pembinaan atas kesalahan-kesalahan, seperti pengendalian perancah yang tidak selamat, keselamatan elektrik yang terabai dan kegagalan mematuhi prosedur bekerja di tempat tinggi sehingga menyebabkan kemalangan. Kajian ini mencadangkan bahawa DOSH perlu melaksanakan penguatkuasaan secara progresif dan punitif secara seimbang bagi meningkatkan kepatuhan kepada KKP di sektor binaan dan seterusnya mencegah kemalangan. Kajian ini memberi implikasi kepada akademia dengan menyediakan bukti emperikal tentang statistik penguatkuasaan perundangan berkaitan KKP yang sangat terhad. Selain itu, kajian ini juga boleh menjadi rujukan oleh DOSH dalam merangka strategi yang lebih berkesan demi mengurangkan kemalangan maut di sektor binaan.

Abstract

In the context of the workplace, the construction sector contributes to the highest fatality rates in Malaysia. Compliance with occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation is crucial to ensure the safety and health of workers on construction sites. The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) and the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (FMA 1967), enforced by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), stipulate the responsibilities of employers in ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of their workers, including those in the construction industry. The objective of this study is to analyze the enforcement of OSH compliance by DOSH in the construction sector in Malaysia. This study is an exploratory research that involves the analysis of relevant secondary data obtained from DOSH. Furthermore, interviews with senior DOSH officials related to this matter were conducted to obtain detailed explanations about the legislative actions taken. The analysis of the data indicates that DOSH adopts a progressive approach by issuing notices for non- compliance. The data analysis also reveals that DOSH focuses on punitive actions related to OSHA 1994, which has a broader scope compared to FMA 1967, which focuses on machinery-related safety. The study findings identify punitive actions taken against construction sector employers for offenses such as unsafe scaffolding, neglected electrical safety, and failure to adhere to work procedures at heights, resulting in accidents. This study suggests that DOSH should implement a balanced, progressive, and punitive enforcement approach to enhance compliance with OSH in the construction sector and ultimately prevent accidents. The study has implications for academia by providing empirical evidence of the limited statistics on OSH enforcement. Additionally, this study can serve as a reference for DOSH in formulating more effective strategies to reduce fatal accidents in the construction sector.

Keywords: Occupational safety and health (OSH), compliance, enforcement, construction.