Latest news with #SKSPS
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Over 800 in Sabah, mainly housewives, to benefit from expanded Socso protection
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
Borneo Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Socso counter at Sibu Central Market for self-employed workers, housewives
Catt (facing camera, left) and Socso officer Mohd Al-Hafiz Suprani on her left engage with a hawker today. SIBU (8 May): The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has set up a counter at the Sibu Central Market to facilitate self-employed workers and housewives in signing up for protection schemes. Socso Employment Services officer Awang Abdul Razzaq said this move, in collaboration with the Sibu Central Market Hawkers' Association chairman Catt Tan Hong Kiang, aims to ease the registration process for Socso's Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) and Housewives' Social Security Scheme (SKSSR). 'This is our first time opening a counter at the Sibu Central Market this year, targeting hawkers and self-employed individuals. 'For today, we are focusing on food stall operators and other small traders,' he told reporters when met today. Under Plan 2 of the SKPSPS, which costs RM232.80 per year, self-employed individuals only need to pay RM70 per year after receiving a 30 per cent government subsidy. 'The protection covers their journey to the workplace, during working hours until they return home, and involves any activities related to their work such as buying supplies or meeting clients. 'In case of accidents or disabilities due to work-related activities, they are protected,' Awang Abdul said. Touching on the SKSSR, he explained that the scheme is open to women under the age of 55, whether they are married or single, employed or self-employed. 'Being a housewife does not mean you stay at home all the time. It includes managing household affairs, cooking, caring for parents, sending siblings to school, buying groceries, and more. 'For RM120 per year (or RM10 per month), housewives are protected against accidents while performing such household duties,' he added. Adding on, Awang Abdul said the counters are strategically located at the Sibu Central Market as hawkers are often too busy to visit the office. 'Instead of them coming to us, we come to them to make it easier for them to renew their contributions or for new ones to register. 'They can pay and immediately receive their receipt without needing to use their mobile phones or travel to our office,' he added. As of this morning, five new contributors had registered while over 20 hawkers renewed their contributions. 'This shows that the awareness among hawkers is quite high, especially with the support of the hawkers' association leaders in informing them on this scheme.' Awang Abdul added that the government subsidy for Plan 2 of the SKSPS, which was announced in last year's Budget 2025, would continue until the end of this year, subject to the available quota. He also reminded that the registration is mandatory for hawkers who need to renew their trading licences, noting that having Socso contributions is now a requirement. housewives self-employed Sibu Central Market socso
Borneo Post
04-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
More self-employed workers, housewives in Sibu encouraged to contribute to Socso
Sheryl (second left) and Maling (fourth right) take a group photo with programme participants. SIBU (May 4): The Social Security Organisation (Socso) introduced their social security schemes for self-employed workers and housewives during the Community Farming Programme 2025 at Rumah Maling Sungai Aup here today. According to Socso Sibu branch employment services officer Sheryl Raju, these are the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) and Housewives Social Security Scheme (SKSSR). She said SKSPS, which was introduced in 2017, continues to receive government support with higher contribution subsidies this year. 'For the second contribution plan of SKSPS in 2025, the government subsidises 70 per cent while the contributor only needs to pay the remaining 30 per cent, amounting to RM70 annually out of the original RM232.82,' she said. She added the Contribution Matching Scheme 2025 covers 13 categories of self-employment, including farmers, fishermen, small traders, e-hailing drivers and gig workers. As for the SPS Madani 2025 scheme, she said the government provides full financing of contributions under Contribution Plan 2 (RM232.90), with a 12-month coverage for self-employed individuals such as volunteers, workers in houses of worship and community rehabilitation supervisors and assistants. Meanwhile, SKSSR specifically provides protection to Malaysian housewives or permanent residents aged below 55. 'For SKSSR, the contribution is only RM120 per year. The benefits include medical benefits, permanent disability benefits, constant attendance allowance, physical and dialysis rehabilitation facilities, incapacity allowance, funeral management benefits, and survivors' pension,' she explained. Sheryl said that to date, more than 400 housewives in Sibu have registered under the scheme. Further elaborating on the SKSSR eligibility criteria, she said that for first-time participants, the housewife must not exceed 54 years of age and must pay the RM120 contribution upfront for continuous coverage for 12 months. 'This contribution can be paid by the housewife herself, her husband, family members, or any third party. If the husband chooses to contribute for his wife, the principle of 'once in, always in' applies to ensure continuous protection,' she said. She added that if there is any loss of income, contributors must inform Perkeso within 60 days before the existing contribution period ends. Thus, Sheryl urged more self-employed individuals and housewives in Sibu to seize the opportunity to obtain social protection for their future wellbeing, in line with the government's efforts to expand the national social safety network. Meanwhile, Councillor Jiram Mardan when interviewed said the programme had been planned since early this year. 'This programme also covers Sungai Empawah and aims to reach out to the longhouse communities. 'That is one of the main objectives of the RCS (Rural Community Service) programme,' he said. He said that for this event, they invited two government agencies—Socso and the Department of Agriculture—to conduct awareness talks for the residents. 'We also appreciate the longhouse chief Tr Maling for providing the venue for Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) to hold the talks,' he added. According to Jiram, the RCS programme involves a total of 16 events to be carried out across various locations within Sibu. 'Each councillor is assigned specific tasks within their respective wards. After this, we plan to hold another RCS event next month at a different location, and we are considering inviting the Ministry of Health Malaysia for future sessions,' he said. He noted that this is the first RCS programme organised for this year. housewives self-employed Sibu socso
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Explainer: Malaysia's anticipated Gig Workers Bill set for tabling after delays
KUALA LUMPUR: After two postponements, Malaysia's long-anticipated Gig Workers Bill is finally set to be tabled in parliament next month, aiming to provide much-needed legal and social protections for millions of Malaysians working in the gig economy. Gig workers, such as e-hailing drivers, food delivery riders, and freelancers, are currently not covered under existing labour laws, leaving them vulnerable to inconsistent income, a lack of social security, and limited access to job-related protections or benefits. The proposed legislation will formally define who qualifies as a gig worker and set out the rights and protections they are entitled to under Malaysian law. According to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, the bill aims to ensure that gig workers receive social protection through mandatory Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributions, fair income standards, and access to training and opportunities to upskill. Currently, only 26 per cent of the 1.16 million gig workers in Malaysia are officially contributing to Perkeso through the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS), the minister said. Additionally, platform companies, such as those in delivery or ride-sharing services, will face greater obligations to safeguard the welfare of their workers. Last year, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the bill would also include provisions for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, further strengthening retirement security for gig workers. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also said the government plans to establish a dedicated commission to oversee gig workers' social protection, resolve contract disputes, and promote career advancement for gig workers in Malaysia. The draft bill was completed following a study and a series of consultation and engagement sessions with 3,000 stakeholders. It was originally scheduled for tabling in October 2024 but was postponed twice, first to November 2024, and now to the upcoming parliamentary session.
