Forklift Accident in Malaysia Is INCREASING

           Forklift trucks are indispensable in many workplaces in Malaysia — from factories and warehouses to logistics hubs and construction sites. Yet despite being a common piece of equipment, forklift‑related incidents can have devastating consequences when safety isn’t prioritised.

               In the National Occupational Injury and Disease Statistics 2023, workplace injury rates increased across Malaysia, with states such as Penang showing a particularly high rate of occupational injuries. Although the statistics cover all types of injuries, machinery‑related incidents remain a significant concern for employers and safety professionals alike. 

               Recent local news highlights the real human cost of inadequate forklift safety measures. In August 2025, a factory operator in Beranang, Selangor was tragically killed after being struck by a forklift. Initial investigations found that the forklift driver was not a trained operator, prompting a stop‑work order and enforcement action by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH or JKKP). (Factory operator killed after being hit by forklift in Beranang | Malaysia | The Vibes)

               Another serious incident in Bukit Mertajam saw a worker fatally crushed when a forklift became unstable and fell, triggering a DOSH investigation and site suspension. (DOSH Issues Stop-work Order After Forklift Operator Killed In Accident | Sarawak Tribune)

          These accidents are stark reminders that operator competence and proper safety procedures aren’t optional — they are life‑critical. Even though specific statistical breakdowns by equipment type are often not publicly published, global forklift accident data shows that such incidents frequently result in serious injury or death, particularly involving pedestrians and untrained operators.