Over 800 in Sabah, mainly housewives, to benefit from expanded Socso protection

Borneo Post

2 days ago

Sim (fourth left) presenting an SKSPS contribution with Azirruan (second left) to a recipient, while Jannie (third left) looks on.
KOTA KINABALU (June 1): More than 800 individuals in Sabah, particularly housewives, can now benefit from social security protection under the Housewives' Social Security Scheme (SKSSR), introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma).
Kesuma Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong announced the expanded sponsorship of social security contributions through the 'Socso Lindung Kasih' programme at a hotel here on Saturday, in conjunction with the Kaamatan celebration.
Sim revealed that 150 housewives under SKSSR and 50 self-employed individuals under the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) received contribution sponsorships amounting to RM21,500 during the event.
In addition, he announced 600 more SKSSR contribution sponsorships to extend comprehensive social security coverage to more housewives in the state.
'This shows the government's continued commitment to protect housewives from domestic disasters and disabilities while managing the household,' Sim said.
The initiative also received support from Kapayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang, who contributed to the programme to ensure broader protection coverage.
Sim explained that while SKSSR is tailored for housewives, the SKSPS scheme targets individuals in the informal sector such as micro-entrepreneurs, small traders, farmers, food delivery riders and e-hailing drivers. Contributions under SKSPS can be as low as RM5.80 per month after government subsidies.
Sim (centre) in a group photo with recipients at the Socso Lindung Kasih programme.
'If you run your own business, you can also get protection. This scheme is not only for salaried workers, but also for small-time entrepreneurs, which are plentiful in Sabah,' he said.
He added that Sabah has the potential to become a national model in expanding the social safety net to rural and indigenous women, supporting the country's goal of protecting 500,000 housewives nationwide.
During the event, Sim also presented benefit payments totaling RM66,390 to 13 recipients, covering claims under Act 4 (five recipients), Act 789 (three recipients), and Act 800 (five recipients).
He highlighted that many still do not realise housewives are eligible for Socso protection if injured while performing household duties.
'There is no punch-in, punch-out in the life of housewives. They cook, wash and care for their families every day without leave or salary, so they too are 'working' and deserve protection.
'With just RM10 a month or RM120 a year, a husband or family member can contribute on behalf of their wife or mother and ensure lifetime protection,' he said.
To ensure information reaches all communities, including remote areas, SKSSR pamphlets have also been published in the Kadazan language, thanks to efforts spearheaded by Jannie.
Sim (fourth left) presenting an SKSPS contribution with Azirruan (second left) to Ruzaidie.
'I myself am not fluent in Kadazan, but I know that for people in Sabah to better understand, the materials must be in their language. This initiative will improve awareness and participation among rural and indigenous women,' Sim added.
Meanwhile, Sim reminded employers that Saturday marked the final day of Socso's 'whitening month,' a campaign that saved employers up to RM100 million while protecting over one million workers nationwide.
'The whitewashing period ends today, and I urge all employers to stay committed to making contributions for their workers. This is a social responsibility that cannot be ignored,' he stressed.
He also encouraged employees to download the Socso Prihatin app to check whether their employers are making the required contributions, ensuring their rights are safeguarded.
'This programme is part of a corporate social responsibility initiative that reflects the government's concern for all layers of society in Sabah, and expands universal social security coverage,' he added.
Also present was Socso Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations) Azirruan Arifin. KESUMA lead Ministry of Human Resources socso steven sim