MTC ties technology grants to safety compliance ahead of 2026 NIOSH training
The Malaysian Timber Council will require timber firms to comply with occupational safety standards to qualify for its Technology Acquisition Programme incentives starting in 2026, according to a council statement.
Source: Malaysian Furniture Council · July 28, 2026 at 10:57 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-source
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 JULY 2026 —
MALAYSIA – Timber Firms Must Meet Safety Standards to Qualify for MTC Grants from 2026
Market Impact
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 — Timber companies in Malaysia will need to comply with occupational safety and health (OSH) standards to qualify for grants under the Malaysian Timber Council’s (MTC) Technology Acquisition Programme (TAP) starting in 2026, the council announced.
The requirement comes as MTC, in partnership with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), prepares to roll out the "Occupational Safety and Health Coordinator (OSH-C)" training programme. The initiative aims to strengthen OSH knowledge and ensure compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Amendment 2022), which mandates stricter workplace safety measures across industries.
Effective January 1, 2026, companies applying for TAP incentives—including Business Digitalisation (BD), Automation Technology Acquisition (ATA), and Green Initiatives (GI)—must demonstrate OSH compliance. The programme, accessible via [iap.mtc.com.my](https://iap.mtc.com.my/), offers financial support for technology adoption and sustainability projects.
The OSH-C training will be conducted over three days and two nights at various venues in Peninsular Malaysia from August to September 2026. MTC will reimburse accommodation costs of up to RM400 per participant, subject to terms. A refundable commitment fee of RM200 is required upon registration, with full refunds issued upon completion of training and submission of the OSH-C certificate.
Participation is capped at one fully sponsored employee per company. Additional attendees may join with 50% sponsorship from MTC, subject to availability. Registration details are available via [this form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXPUgeiCn5np77wapnX768HmyJVgekMg6LMSnAxHkxdslfzg/viewform?pli=1).
For inquiries, companies may contact Ms Noor Ateeqah at 03-9286 9967 or noorateeqah@mtc.com.my, or Mr Ammar Muhammad Shahmie at 03-9286 9968 or shahmie@mtc.com.my.
Market Impact in Malaysia The new OSH compliance requirement is expected to influence timber and furniture manufacturers, many of which rely on MTC grants for digitalisation and automation projects. Industry players may face higher operational costs as they invest in safety upgrades to maintain grant eligibility. Smaller firms, in particular, could face challenges in meeting the standards without additional support.
The timber sector, a key contributor to Malaysia’s export economy, has been under pressure to modernise while adhering to stricter regulatory frameworks. The OSH-C training initiative signals a broader push toward safer and more sustainable practices in the industry.
Sector and Company Implications The MTC’s move aligns with national OSH policies and could accelerate adoption of digital and automation technologies among timber firms. Companies that fail to comply risk losing access to TAP incentives, which are critical for staying competitive in global markets.
NIOSH’s involvement underscores the government’s commitment to reducing workplace accidents and improving industry standards. The training programme is likely to set a precedent for other sectors considering similar compliance-linked incentives.
Outlook From 2026 onward, OSH compliance will be a defining factor in accessing MTC grants, reinforcing the link between safety and technological advancement in Malaysia’s timber industry. Firms that proactively upgrade their safety protocols may gain a competitive edge, while those lagging could face financial and operational setbacks.
Further details on training schedules and grant application procedures are expected to be released closer to the 2026 rollout. Companies are advised to monitor updates on the MTC website and prepare for the new requirements.