PENANG, 13 May 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the Penang State Government and key industrial players from Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP), recently celebrated the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 on 28 April, calling for safer commuting and workplace practices.

Themed “Towards Safer Commuting for BKIP”, the event marked a significant milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USM and the Penang State Government to officially endorse the Commuting Safety Management System (CAMS) Project.

The MoU signals a long-term strategic collaboration to promote road safety among the commuting workforce, particularly motorcyclists, in the state’s industrial sectors.

Gracing the event was YB Zairil Khir Johari, Penang State Executive Councilor for Infrastructure, Transportation and Digital, who officiated the ceremony and symbolically donned a safety riding attire as part of the launch gimmick.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Only through shared commitment and active participation can we create a safer commuting environment for all,” he said during the opening ceremony of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, held at The Ship Campus in Batu Kawan.

Zairil highlighted the CAMS project as a significant strategic effort in line with the Penang2030 vision, enhancing quality of life by reducing road accidents and fostering civic engagement through community-driven safety initiatives.

USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, in his speech, emphasised the university’s role in translating research and community engagement into impactful societal outcomes.

He highlighted the CAMS initiative as a model for industry-government-academia collaboration.

“USM led the project through comprehensive data analysis, monitoring, and intervention work while the Penang state government facilitated engagement with agencies and industries at BKIP.

“Participating companies directly implemented interventions and closely monitored their motorcyclists,” he added.   

The ceremony also featured an address by Rosidan Harun, Chief HR and Administrative Officer of Boon Siew Honda, a founding industry partner of the CAMS project since its pilot phase in 2019.

Boon Siew Honda was among several companies recognised during the event for their leadership in promoting commuting safety.

The CAMS Project Leader, Associate Professor Dr. Lilis Surienty Abd Talib, shared insights into the programme’s expansion, including future partnerships with the Malaysian Road Transport Academy and local driving institutes to scale up safety riding training across the region.

The event also celebrated outstanding contributors through several awards:

• Responsible Employer Award for Safe Commuting was presented to Boon Siew Honda, Broadcom, Smith & Nephew, Vitrox Corporation, and Penang Automation Cluster.

• Appreciation Letters from the Chief Minister’s Office were awarded to nine companies for their continued support of the CAMS initiative.

• Six employees from Broadcom received Certificates of Appointment as in-house Safety Riding Trainers after completing the CAMS Master Safety Riding Training.

As part of efforts to increase training accessibility, USM presented a Letter of Intent to IDI Driving Institute to collaborate on delivering CAMS training modules beginning this year.

The event concluded with a visit to a CAMS and PERKESO exhibition, and a live Defensive Safety Riding Demonstration by Boon Siew Honda Safety Riding Centre.

USM extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, guests, and industry partners for their continued support toward a safer, healthier workforce in Penang.

Source: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lilis Surienty, School of Management, USM/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe