Audiometric Testing: DOSH Cases Highlight the Need for Annual Hearing Checks

Keep annual hearing checks on schedule

Several Kelantan notices concern milling operations. On 7 August 2025, a Kota Bharu employer in Section 39, Pengkalan Chepa, was fined RM3,500 after two workers missed audiometric testing. Another notice for the same date, involving the Mara industrial area in Pengkalan Chepa, reported an RM2,500 fine. A Tanah Merah notice also highlighted failure to conduct annual audiometry. A separate Machang case dated 10 August 2025 resulted in an RM5,000 fine.

In Johor, a galvanising employer was fined RM3,000 on 7 May 2024 for failing to conduct audiometric tests. The folder contains both a poster and a WhatsApp copy of this case; they are summarised once here.

A Kedah notice dated 11 March 2026 described an RM3,500 fine against a Kulim manufacturer for failing to arrange testing for exposed employees over the period stated in the notice, from 12 June 2020 to 17 April 2025. Taken together, the cases underline the importance of tracking every worker who needs follow-up rather than relying on a one-off testing exercise.

Connect hearing checks with other exposure programmes

A Perak case decided on 10 December 2024 resulted in two separate RM3,000 fines: one for failure to conduct annual audiometric testing and another for chemical exposure monitoring recommended in the CHRA. Where workers face multiple hazards, the monitoring schedule should account for each relevant exposure.

Maintain worker training and act on recommendations

A Perak notice dated 17 May 2023 reported combined fines of RM4,000 for failures involving annual noise training and annual audiometric testing.

In Kedah, an Alor Setar case dated 19 April 2026 resulted in an RM4,500 fine for failing to provide noise training at least annually, linked to an assessment dated 3 July 2022. A Pahang case dated 15 August 2024 resulted in an RM2,000 fine for failure to implement the assessor’s noise recommendations within the period specified in that case.

These images show that audiometric testing belongs within a wider hearing-conservation programme: identify exposure, reduce noise, provide suitable protection, train workers and follow up on findings.

Practical follow-through

Use the noise assessment to maintain an up-to-date list of workers needing hearing checks.
Plan annual appointments and track attendance, including missed or rescheduled tests.
Arrange appropriate review and follow-up of results through the testing and occupational-health process.
Record worker training and completion of recommended noise controls.
Coordinate hearing checks with other monitoring needs identified at the workplace.

DOSH information on audiometric testing centres explains annual testing for workers identified by noise assessment as exposed above the noise exposure limit.

Source: DOSH/JKKP enforcement notices and supporting materials supplied in the corresponding topic folder. Repeated images of the same case are consolidated. Dates and fines describe the historical cases shown, rather than current maximum penalties.