Niosh launches MaRINA 3.0 to boost workplace safety, health research
by Lim How Pim · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Jan 23): The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) has launched the latest national research agenda on occupational safety and health (OSH), focusing on 14 key areas to enhance prevention and deliver real workplace protection.
Known as the third Malaysian Research Initiative for National Agenda (MaRINA 3.0), the programme aims to ensure OSH research remains practical, implementable, and aligned with the realities of a rapidly evolving workplaces, where technology, new work arrangements, and emerging risks require faster and more effective prevention measures.
Established in 2013, MaRINA provides a structured OSH research ecosystem connecting government, industry, and academia, ensuring decisions are guided by evidence.
“Since its inception, MaRINA has strengthened national research priorities, expanded cross-sector collaboration, and built a foundation for high-impact research delivery,” Niosh said in a statement on Thursday.
Launching MaRINA 3.0 in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Niosh chairman Chong Chieng Jen said previous phases produced significant momentum, recording more than 30 research projects and 27 academic and industry collaborations, supporting workplace improvements and long-term OSH innovation.
“MaRINA 3.0 sharpens that direction through 14 focus areas, from everyday workplace risks and work-related road safety to occupational hygiene, ergonomics, responsible artificial intelligence (AI) integration, digitalisation, psychosocial wellbeing, non-communicable diseases, and overall workforce health and work ability,” he said.
In preparation, Niosh convened the Pre-MaRINA 3.0 Workshop in Putrajaya, gathering OSH experts from Asean and beyond to shape the research priorities.
Momentum was further reinforced through strategic engagement during the Asean OSH Summit 2025, highlighting regional commitment to OSH research and capacity-building.
Chong described MaRINA 3.0 as a next-generation initiative that is strategic, digital, and impactful.
“Our research will not remain in reports alone but will translate into meaningful prevention that improves workplaces, strengthens public confidence, and builds a more resilient workforce,” he said.
He highlighted insights from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and EU-OSHA on digitalisation and AI, which can both improve safety and create new risks such as algorithm-driven work intensity, surveillance concerns, and psychosocial strain.
“Ultimately, the success of MaRINA 3.0 will be measured by impact—fewer preventable incidents, healthier workplaces, stronger public confidence, and a more resilient workforce for Malaysia,” Chong added.