If your business handles hazardous substances in Malaysia, there’s one regulation you cannot afford to ignore — CIMAH. Short for Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards Regulations, CIMAH is part of Malaysia’s legal framework to prevent and mitigate major accidents involving dangerous substances.
But what exactly is CIMAH? Who needs to comply? And what steps should you take to meet its requirements?
This blog post breaks it all down — in plain English — for business owners, safety managers, engineers, and anyone responsible for workplace safety.
🌐 What is CIMAH?
CIMAH stands for Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards Regulations. It was introduced under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) to regulate facilities that deal with hazardous chemicals and substances that could potentially cause major accidents — such as explosions, fires, or toxic releases.
CIMAH aims to:
- Prevent major accidents.
- Limit the consequences of such accidents on people and the environment.
- Ensure industries take responsibility for their chemical risks.
⚠️ Who Must Comply with CIMAH?
Not every company needs to comply with CIMAH — only those that store, use, or produce certain quantities of hazardous substances.
CIMAH classifies facilities into two categories:
- Lower Tier Establishments
- Have hazardous substances above lower threshold quantities.
- Must notify DOSH, prepare a safety report summary, and implement a major accident prevention policy (MAPP).
- Upper Tier Establishments
- Have substances above higher threshold quantities.
- Must comply with all lower tier requirements, plus submit a detailed Safety Report, conduct emergency planning, and ensure public information and consultation.
➡️ Example substances include ammonia, chlorine, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), hydrogen, and certain pesticides.
✅ Pro Tip: You can find the full list of substances and thresholds in the First Schedule of the CIMAH Regulations.
📄 Key CIMAH Requirements
Here’s what businesses need to do under CIMAH:
| Requirement | Lower Tier | Upper Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Notification to DOSH | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Major Accident Prevention Policy (MAPP) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Safety Report Summary | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Detailed Safety Report | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Internal & External Emergency Plans | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Information to Public | ❌ | ✔️ |
🧩 Why CIMAH Compliance Matters
Ignoring CIMAH can have serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences:
- Non-compliance fines
- Operational shutdowns by DOSH
- Increased insurance premiums
- Legal liabilities in the event of an accident
But beyond legal compliance, CIMAH promotes a proactive safety culture that protects workers, communities, and the environment.
✅ How to Start Your CIMAH Compliance Journey
- Conduct a Hazardous Substances Inventory
Identify all dangerous substances on-site and compare with CIMAH thresholds. - Determine Tier Classification
Use the quantities to determine if you’re a Lower Tier or Upper Tier facility. - Engage with Experts
Consider working with HSE consultants (like us at PLC Group) to develop your CIMAH documentation and processes. - Prepare and Submit the Required Reports
This includes MAPPs, Safety Reports, and Emergency Plans. - Train Your Staff
Ensure workers understand their roles in preventing and responding to major accidents.
📞 Need Help with CIMAH?
At PLC Group, we help Malaysian industries navigate the complexities of CIMAH compliance. From initial assessments to report preparation and training, we’ve got you covered.
➡️ Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
📌 Final Thoughts
CIMAH compliance isn’t just a legal checkbox — it’s a commitment to safety, responsibility, and community well-being.
Whether you’re new to CIMAH or looking to improve your current processes, staying informed and proactive can make all the difference.
Stay safe. Stay compliant. Let’s make HSE a business advantage — together.
— The PLC Group Team
