Malaysia Reviewing Asbestos Ban, Says Minister

The government is aware of growing calls to ban asbestos and is reviewing the matter, with updates expected in the coming months, says Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.

In a recent joint statement, Building and Wood Workers’ International, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and the Health and Safety Advisory Centre (Hasac) called for urgent action, highlighting that a comprehensive ban has been delayed for decades.

They urged the minister to implement a ban within the current parliamentary term and to hold urgent meetings with unions.

CAP has long campaigned for a total ban, but previous efforts have stalled.

Asbestos is a hazardous material linked to lung cancer and is commonly used in construction. As of October 2022, its use had been banned in 69 countries, including Finland, Italy, Germany, Australia, Japan, and Thailand.

In 2006, the International Labour Organisation called on all nations to implement a complete asbestos ban.

Source: The Sun (15 January 2026)

https://thesun.my/…/malaysia-reviewing-asbestos-ban…/…