THE Human Resources Ministry will examine the initial proposal to draft a policy on vocal health and larynx (voice box) safety, to protect professionals who are actors, singers, educators, speakers, and more.

Its Deputy Minister Mustapha Sakmud said there is no specific protection policy for professions that involve voice use, because most schemes are limited.

“There are proposals from several parties, including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara), to study a specific protection policy which can be used under the Social Security Organisation (Socso) should anything happen to our voices.

“For example, in the United States, this matter (voice protection scheme or policy) is common, but in Malaysia, it is still new, so this is something we will discuss and see if it is suitable to be implemented here,” he said today.

He said this to reporters after the Suara Nadi Kehidupan programme, held in conjunction with World Voice Day 2023 celebrations. 

Earlier, Mustapha in his speech said the results of a study conducted by Universiti Putra Malaysia on primary school teachers in the Klang Valley, found that 78% of them experience vocal discomfort at least once a year. 

He said employees with voice-related problems are associated with significant absenteeism issues, lower quality of life and a higher level of anxiety.

“I understand that at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM, about 30% of patients who are referred to speech therapists for treatment are professional voice users – those who rely on voice as a source of income.

“The ministry sees this issue as very significant, and will help the parties involved to find a way to protect voice professionals, who are also an important group of workers for the progress of the country,” he said.

Mustapha said the ministry and its agencies will examine the issue comprehensively to find a comprehensive solution to guarantee the welfare of workers who depend on their voices.

“While we wait for a comprehensive development and protection plan to be drafted for these voice professionals, it is important we take the right steps to protect vocal health.

“At the same time, (vocal workers) need to seek professional help when dealing with problems related to the voice box, to prevent serious damage and ensure faster recovery,” he said. – Bernama, May 20, 2023.