Forklift Licence Malaysia: DOSH Requirements, Training & Certification Guide

Operating a forklift without proper certification in Malaysia isn't just risky. It's illegal. The Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (FMA 1967) requires that only trained and competent persons operate powered industrial trucks in workplaces. DOSH enforces this through mandatory training, certification, and employer compliance checks.

This guide covers everything employers, safety officers, and operators need to know about forklift licensing in Malaysia: the legal framework, training programme structure, certification process, costs, renewal requirements, and what happens when you don't comply.

This guide covers:

• Legal requirements under FMA 1967 and OSHA 1994
• Types of powered industrial trucks requiring certification
• Training programme structure: theory and practical components
• Certification process and validity period
• Employer obligations vs operator responsibilities
• Training costs and approved provider requirements
• Renewal process and refresher training
• Penalties for non-compliance

Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance based on the Factories and Machinery Act 1967, OSHA 1994, and official DOSH information as of February 2026. Regulations may be amended. Always verify current requirements with DOSH or qualified professionals before making compliance decisions.

Legal Framework for Forklift Operations in Malaysia

Forklift operations in Malaysia are governed by two main laws: the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (FMA 1967) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994). Together, these laws place duties on both employers and operators to ensure safe forklift operations.

Legislation	Relevant Provisions	Key Requirement
FMA 1967	Part VI: Lifting Machines, and associated Regulations	Only trained and competent persons shall operate lifting machinery in workplaces
OSHA 1994 (Act 514)	Section 15: General duties of employers	Employers must provide information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure safety
OSHA 1994 (Amendment 2022)	Act A1648, effective 1 June 2024	Maximum penalties increased to RM500,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment for OSHA violations
FMA (Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations 1970	Regulation 32	No person shall operate any lifting machine unless trained and authorised by a competent person

The bottom line: employers who allow untrained operators to use forklifts face prosecution under both FMA 1967 and OSHA 1994. Operators who operate without certification also bear personal liability.

Types of Powered Industrial Trucks Requiring Certification

Not all material handling equipment requires the same level of certification. DOSH classifies powered industrial trucks into categories, and the training programme must match the specific equipment type the operator will use.

Equipment Type	Description	Typical Industries	Certification Required?
Counterbalance forklift	Standard sit-down forklift with weight at rear to balance load at front	Warehousing, manufacturing, logistics	Yes
Reach truck	Narrow-aisle truck with extending mast for high racking	Warehousing, cold storage, distribution	Yes
Powered pallet truck (rider type)	Electric pallet jack with ride-on platform	Warehousing, retail, manufacturing	Yes
Order picker	Operator elevated with the forks to pick items at height	Warehousing, distribution centres	Yes
Rough terrain forklift	Large pneumatic-tyre forklift for outdoor/uneven ground	Construction, timber, agriculture	Yes
Telehandler	Telescopic boom forklift for extended reach at height	Construction, oil & gas	Yes
Manual pallet jack (hand pallet truck)	Non-powered hand-operated pallet mover	All industries	No (but training recommended)

The certification is specific to the equipment type. An operator certified on a counterbalance forklift is not automatically qualified to operate a reach truck or telehandler. Separate training and assessment is required for each type.

Training Programme Structure

DOSH-recognised forklift training programmes combine classroom theory and hands-on practical assessment. The training must be conducted by a DOSH-approved training provider using qualified instructors. The programme structure follows DOSH guidelines and typically covers the following components.

Theory Component

Theory Module	Content
Legal framework	FMA 1967, OSHA 1994, employer and operator duties, penalties
Forklift principles	Stability triangle, centre of gravity, load moment, tipping point
Load charts and capacity	Reading data plates, load centre distance, capacity at height, attachment derating
Pre-operation inspection	Daily checklist items, defect reporting, tagging out procedures
Safe operating procedures	Speed limits, pedestrian zones, ramp operations, parking, seatbelt use
Hazard identification	Common forklift hazards, traffic management, blind spots, overhead obstructions
Fuel and battery safety	LPG cylinder change, diesel refuelling, battery charging and ventilation requirements
Emergency procedures	Tip-over response, load spill, fire response, reporting procedures

Practical Component

Practical Assessment	What's Assessed
Pre-operation inspection	Operator performs complete daily checklist correctly and identifies defects
Basic manoeuvring	Forward/reverse travel, turning, controlled stopping, three-point turns
Load handling	Picking up pallets, fork positioning, load centre placement, travel with load
Stacking and de-stacking	Placing and retrieving loads at various rack heights safely
Confined space operation	Operating in narrow aisles, around corners, through doorways
Ramp and incline operation	Travelling up and down ramps with and without load (correct direction)
Parking and shutdown	Proper parking procedure, forks lowered and flat, handbrake engaged, key removed

Training Duration

Course Type	Duration	Who It's For
Full certification course	3-5 days (theory + practical + assessment)	New operators with no prior forklift experience
Experienced operator course	2-3 days	Operators with experience but no formal certification
Refresher course	1-2 days	Certified operators requiring renewal or update
Equipment conversion course	1-2 days	Certified operators learning a new equipment type (e.g., counterbalance to reach truck)

After completing the course, the training provider issues a certificate stating the operator's name, the equipment type(s) they are certified to operate, the date of certification, and the recommended renewal date. This certificate is your proof of competency for DOSH compliance purposes.

Employer Obligations vs Operator Responsibilities

Both employers and operators have legal duties. Employers can't simply hand someone a licence and walk away. Operators can't simply flash a certificate and ignore safe procedures.

Duty	Employer	Operator
Training	Arrange and fund DOSH-approved training before operator starts work	Attend and complete the full course; pass assessments
Certification records	Keep copies of all operator certificates and training records on file	Carry or be able to produce certification when asked
Equipment maintenance	Maintain forklifts in safe working condition; arrange periodic inspections	Perform daily pre-operation checks and report defects
Safe system of work	Establish traffic management plans, speed limits, pedestrian zones, SOPs	Follow all site-specific rules and SOPs; use required PPE
Renewal	Track certification expiry dates and arrange refresher training before lapse	Attend refresher courses when due; don't operate with an expired certificate
Incident reporting	Report serious forklift incidents to DOSH as required under OSHA 1994	Report all incidents, near-misses, and equipment defects immediately
Supervision	Provide on-the-job supervision for newly certified operators	Follow supervisor instructions; don't operate beyond your certified scope

The Safety and Health Officer (SHO) or site safety supervisor should maintain a register of all forklift operators, their certification status, and renewal dates. This register should be available for DOSH inspection at any time.

Certification Process Step by Step

Step	Action	Responsible Party
1	Identify operators who require certification (new hires, uncertified existing operators)	Employer / HR / SHO
2	Confirm operator meets eligibility (age 18+, medically fit, basic literacy)	Employer
3	Select a DOSH-approved training provider	Employer (verify provider status with DOSH)
4	Enrol operator in appropriate course (full, experienced, or equipment conversion)	Employer
5	Operator completes theory and practical training	Operator / Training provider
6	Operator passes written theory test and practical driving assessment	Operator / Assessor
7	Training provider issues certificate of competency	Training provider
8	Employer files certificate and updates operator register	Employer / SHO
9	On-the-job supervision period (typically 2-4 weeks under experienced operator)	Employer / Supervisor
10	Operator authorised to operate independently	Employer

Training Costs

Forklift training costs in Malaysia vary by provider, location, course type, and equipment. The employer is responsible for funding the training as part of their OSHA 1994 duty to provide instruction and training.

Course Type	Typical Duration	Indicative Cost Range (per person)
Full certification (new operator)	3-5 days	RM400 - RM1,200
Experienced operator certification	2-3 days	RM300 - RM800
Refresher course	1-2 days	RM200 - RM500
Equipment conversion	1-2 days	RM200 - RM600
In-house training (trainer comes to site)	3-5 days	RM3,000 - RM8,000 per group (varies by group size)

Employers registered with HRDC (formerly HRDF) may be able to claim training costs under the SBL-Khas scheme. Check with your HRDC account and training provider for claimable programme eligibility.

Renewal and Refresher Training

Forklift certifications are not indefinite. DOSH guidelines recommend refresher training and reassessment at regular intervals to maintain competency. Most training providers issue certificates with a recommended renewal period.

Renewal Trigger	Action Required
Certificate expiry (typically every 2-3 years)	Complete refresher course and pass reassessment
After a forklift incident or near-miss	Refresher training and competency reassessment before resuming operations
Operator returns after extended absence (6+ months)	Refresher training to confirm skills haven't lapsed
New equipment type introduced to workplace	Equipment conversion course for the new type
Significant change in workplace layout or procedures	Site-specific retraining covering new layout, routes, and hazards
DOSH inspection finding or improvement notice	Training as directed by DOSH to address identified gaps

Set calendar reminders at least 60 days before certificate expiry. Allowing a certification to lapse means the operator is technically operating without competency proof, which puts both the operator and employer at legal risk.

Pre-Operation Inspection Checklist

Every operator must perform a pre-operation inspection before each shift. This is not optional. DOSH expects documented daily checks, and training providers include this as part of the practical assessment.

Check Item	What to Inspect	Action if Defective
Forks	Cracks, bends, wear, heel thickness, tip alignment	Remove from service; report to maintenance
Mast and chains	Chain lubrication, roller condition, mast rails for damage	Do not operate; report to maintenance
Hydraulics	Hoses for leaks, cylinder rods for scoring, fluid level	Tag out; hydraulic leak = fire and slip hazard
Tyres	Cuts, chunks missing, flat spots, inflation (pneumatic)	Report; damaged tyres affect stability
Brakes	Service brake, parking brake, inching pedal function	Do not operate without functioning brakes
Lights and horn	Headlights, reverse lights, beacon/strobe, horn audibility	Report; horn and lights are safety-critical
Seatbelt and ROPS	Seatbelt latches and retracts properly; roll-over protection structure intact	Do not operate without functioning seatbelt and ROPS
Fuel/battery	Fuel level (diesel/LPG); battery charge and connections (electric)	Refuel/recharge before starting shift; check for LPG leaks
Data plate	Capacity plate legible; matches attachments fitted	Replace if illegible; confirm capacity for your load
Fire extinguisher	Present, accessible, gauge in green zone, seal intact	Replace or recharge before operating

Document every inspection. Use a simple checklist form that operators sign and date each shift. Keep completed checklists for at least 12 months. DOSH officers will ask to see these records during inspections.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Offence	Legislation	Potential Penalty
Allowing untrained operator to use forklift	OSHA 1994, Section 15	Fine up to RM500,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years or both (post-Amendment 2022)
Failure to provide safe system of work	OSHA 1994, Section 15	Fine up to RM500,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years or both
Operating unfit or defective machinery	FMA 1967	Fine and/or imprisonment under FMA 1967 penalty provisions
Failure to report workplace accident	OSHA 1994, Section 32	Fine up to RM500,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years or both
Employee fails to use safety equipment	OSHA 1994, Section 24	Fine up to RM2,000 or imprisonment up to 3 months (employee penalty)

Beyond regulatory penalties, forklift incidents create significant liability exposure. If an untrained operator causes injury or death, the employer faces both criminal prosecution and civil liability claims. Workmen Compensation insurance and CGL insurance can help manage the financial consequences, but nothing replaces proper operator training and certification.

Forklift Safety Best Practices for Malaysian Workplaces

Best Practice	Implementation
Traffic management plan	Separate pedestrian and forklift routes; mark aisles with floor paint; install mirrors at blind corners
Speed limits	Set and enforce site-specific speed limits (typically 5-10 km/h indoors, 15-20 km/h outdoors)
Pedestrian exclusion zones	Designate and physically barrier areas where forklift operations are ongoing
Load capacity management	Post load charts at every station; train operators on derating for height and attachments
Battery charging area	Dedicated ventilated area; eye wash station; spill containment; no smoking signage
Ramp protocols	Drive forward up ramps, reverse down with load; never turn on ramps; chock truck wheels at loading docks
Incident investigation	Investigate all incidents and near-misses; use findings for toolbox talks and refresher training

Connection to Insurance: Why Forklift Training Matters for Your Coverage

Forklift operations are a key risk factor that insurers evaluate when underwriting manufacturing and warehouse insurance. Your forklift safety practices directly affect your insurance programme in several ways.

Insurance Impact	How Forklift Training Affects It
Workmen Compensation claims	Untrained operators have higher accident rates; more WC claims = higher premiums
CGL liability	Forklift incidents injuring third parties (visitors, contractors) trigger CGL claims
Property damage claims	Forklift collisions damage stock, racking, and building structures; more claims = higher IAR premiums
Risk survey findings	Insurers' risk engineers check forklift certification records during surveys; gaps affect terms
Claims defence	If an untrained operator causes damage, the insurer may contest the claim on grounds of non-compliance

Good forklift safety isn't just a DOSH compliance issue. It directly affects your insurance premiums, claims experience, and the terms insurers are willing to offer. Documented training, daily inspections, and a clean incident record demonstrate risk management maturity.

FAQ

What is the minimum age to get a forklift licence in Malaysia?

You must be at least 18 years old to operate a forklift in most Malaysian workplaces. The employer must also confirm that the operator is medically fit and has basic literacy to understand safety instructions and training materials.

How long is a forklift licence valid in Malaysia?

Most training providers issue certificates with a recommended renewal period of 2-3 years. While there is no single legislated expiry period, DOSH expects employers to ensure operators undergo refresher training and reassessment at regular intervals. Allowing certification to lapse puts both employer and operator at legal risk.

Can I operate a forklift with an overseas licence in Malaysia?

An overseas forklift licence is not automatically recognised in Malaysia. DOSH requires that operators be trained and certified under the Malaysian regulatory framework. An employer may accept overseas experience as a basis for enrolling the operator in an experienced operator course (shorter duration) rather than a full new operator course.

Who pays for forklift training in Malaysia?

The employer is responsible for providing and funding training under OSHA 1994 Section 15. Employers registered with HRDC may claim training costs under eligible HRDC schemes. The operator should not be required to pay for their own certification as it is a legal duty of the employer.

What happens if a forklift accident occurs and the operator has no licence?

The employer faces prosecution under OSHA 1994 for failure to provide training and ensure a safe system of work. Penalties can reach RM500,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment under the 2022 Amendment. The operator may also face personal liability. Insurance claims may be complicated if the insurer can demonstrate that the employer failed to meet basic compliance requirements.

Is forklift certification specific to each type of equipment?

Yes. Certification is specific to the equipment type trained on. A counterbalance forklift certification does not qualify you to operate a reach truck, telehandler, or order picker. Each equipment type requires separate training and assessment. Operators who need to use multiple types must complete conversion courses for each.

Do I need a forklift licence to operate a manual pallet jack?

No. Manual (hand-operated) pallet jacks are not powered lifting machinery and do not require formal DOSH certification. However, employers should still provide basic training on safe use, load limits, and hazard awareness. Powered pallet trucks (rider type) do require certification.

How do I find a DOSH-approved forklift training provider?

Check with DOSH directly or visit the JKKP (Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan) website for lists of approved training providers. You can also contact industry associations like the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) or Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) for referrals. Verify the provider's DOSH approval status before enrolling.

Can the employer conduct in-house forklift training?

In-house training is acceptable if it meets DOSH requirements and is conducted by a qualified instructor. Many approved training providers offer on-site programmes where they bring instructors and assessment materials to your premises. The key is that the training must follow the structured programme (theory + practical + assessment) and result in a formal certificate. A supervisor simply teaching someone to drive is not sufficient.

What records must the employer keep for forklift operations?

Employers must keep: operator certification records (certificates, training dates, renewal dates), daily pre-operation inspection checklists (signed and dated), equipment maintenance records, incident and near-miss reports, and medical fitness confirmations. These records must be available for DOSH inspection. Keep records for at least the duration required by DOSH guidelines, typically several years.

Foundation Conclusion

Forklift certification is a legal requirement, not an optional safety enhancement. FMA 1967 and OSHA 1994 make it clear: only trained and competent persons can operate powered industrial trucks. The employer's duty doesn't end at sending someone to a course. It extends to maintaining records, arranging renewals, providing safe systems of work, and supervising new operators.

Beyond compliance, proper forklift training is a risk management investment. It reduces incidents, protects workers, and supports better insurance terms. Every forklift incident avoided is a Workmen Compensation claim that didn't happen, a factory safety audit that passed, and a production day that wasn't lost.

Talk to our risk specialists about protecting your industrial operations