Latest news with #SocialSecurityOrganisation
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Socso probed 679 suspected fraud cases since 2020, says HR Minister
PETALING JAYA: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) investigated a total of 679 suspected fraud cases from 2020 until April 2025, says Steven Sim. The Human Resources Minister said these included those under the Temporary Disability Benefits, Permanent Disability Benefits, Disability Scheme and Health Screening Programme. He said Socso's efforts to curb fraud had saved the agency more than RM48.64mil in terms of long-term funds. 'This success was achieved as a result of investigations leading to the decision to suspend 383 cases or 56.5% of the total investigated, thus reflecting that strict governance and management can have a major impact on the efficiency of the system,' he said. Within the same period, he added a total of 509 Constant Attendance Allowance (ELS) were reviewed with 117 cases proposed for suspension, which led to another long-term saving of more than RM12.2mil. However, Sim pointed out that benefit fraud remains a challenge with losses reaching RM2.1mil recorded throughout last year stemming from invalid claims. On the benefits, Sim said there was no reason for Socso to withhold any entitlement and rights of workers, as they pay more than RM3.4bil annually to 464,593 contributors under various benefit payouts. He also said that the fate of 10 million workers and their families was on their shoulders, thus making Socso more alert to fraud and errors in the system. Sim said this during his speech at the opening of the Seminar on Fraud, Evasion and Error in Social Security and Insurance Claims, organised by Socso in collaboration with the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME), on Tuesday (June 3). Also present were Socso chairman, Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal; Socso group chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed and ABIME president and founder Prof Dr Mohammed Ranavaya. The seminar, which saw some 400 participants, brought together various stakeholders including the Medical Board panel, members of the Appeals Board, representatives of enforcement agencies and insurance companies. The aim of the event is seen as a significant step in addressing the challenges of fraudulent claims, system weaknesses and unethical practices that threaten the sustainability of the social protection system. Additionally, Sim stressed crime involving fraud is a violation of the law that erodes trust in public institutions established to safeguard the welfare of workers as funds are diverted from the needy. 'The challenge of fraud is now global, driven by the mobility of labour and cross-border services, hence Malaysia needs to adopt a comprehensive prevention framework that includes legal reforms, strict enforcement, digital innovation and transparent communication. 'The ministry is fully committed to leading the reform of the country's social system by involving the entire related ecosystem. 'Therefore, I hope that this seminar will be a catalyst for a more robust and resilient social security system,' he said. To the same tune, Subahan also said that Socso's fight against fraud was not new as it reflected a legacy of firm leadership and institutional resolve. 'Under the stewardship of Dr Mohammed Azman, our efforts began with tackling abuse in medical board processes and have since evolved to uncover and dismantle sophisticated fraud cartels. 'We are intensifying efforts across all fronts from strengthening claim verification processes to fast-tracking investigations through closer collaboration between Socso and enforcement agencies,' he said. Meanwhile, at the event, Sim announced that Dr Mohammed Azman received the Lifetime Fellowship of the American College of Independent Medical Examiners (FACIME) and Master Certified Independent Medical Examiner awards. The awards were presented by Prof Mohammed Ravanaya to Dr Mohammed Azman for his contributions in the field of disability medicine and occupational health. FACIME is the highest qualification in the field of disability medicine, which is given only to those who have achieved the highest level of knowledge, skills, and abilities as a quality Independent Medical Examiner.
Malaysiakini
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Gig workers: Overlooked and misunderstood
LETTER | I write as a Malaysian wife and mother, deeply disappointed by a recent experience that highlights how self-employed citizens, especially those in the gig economy, are too often overlooked and misunderstood. My husband has been a full-time e-hailing driver since 2020. He owns and maintains his vehicle, files taxes, contributes to the Social Security Organisation and holds an active insurance policy. Yet when we applied for a tourist visa for a short family holiday with our six-year-old daughter, our application was rejected. Despite our responsible planning, travel history and financial documentation, the decision stated he lacked sufficient 'economic incentive' to return home. This isn't just harsh, it's discriminatory. E-hailing drivers are self-employed, not unemployed. Yet it seems that honest, consistent work is not seen as credible enough. We face the same bias at home, where banks decline car hire purchase loan applications even with proof of regular income. And now we are waiting for the petrol subsidies mechanism. Some say it may be assessed based on household income; if so, families like ours, where the spouse is also working, risk being unfairly excluded. Not 'secure' enough How does one even assess an e-hailing driver's 'net income'? Is it before or after deducting petrol, loan instalments, insurance and car maintenance? These details are often invisible to systems designed only for salaried employees. And yet, these are the very people who keep our cities moving. We saved diligently for this trip, bought insurance, and prepared everything with care. But now we have to explain to our daughter that it won't happen, not because her father did anything wrong, but because his work isn't considered 'secure' enough. I hope this letter raises awareness not just about visa policies, but about how we value dignity, responsibility and contribution in today's evolving workforce. Honest work should be respected, not rejected. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Life goes on for Syahira two years after husband's death in tiger attack
GUA MUSANG: Nearly two years after her husband was killed by a tiger at Pos Pasik, an Orang Asli woman has managed to get on with her life with her two daughters, thanks to the assistance from the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso). Twenty-two-year-old Syahira Hamid of Kampung Sugi, Pos Pasik, said that the tragic incident occurred when her husband, Pisie Amud, 25, went out to hunt for food in the jungle. "Life has to go on. " I have now come to terms with fate and am striving to raise our two daughters - Nur Haura, 2, and Finka, 4 - as best as possible. "I'm not working, but we can continue with our lives as a result of the roughly RM900 monthly aid from Perkeso, thanks to the contributions of my late husband's job as a Community Ranger with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan)," she told reporters at Pos Pasik here. However, Syahira, from the Temiar tribe, admitted that she hasn't been able to visit his grave as she is still emotionally distressed. Pisie's grandfather, 59-year-old Aznan Siam described Syahira as a strong and patient woman for single-handedly raising her two young children. However, even he has yet to get over the tragic incident that befell his grandson, particularly since he was among the volunteers who found his remains. "To this day, I can still picture the tiger's claw marks on Pisie's head and body. He also lost his left foot as a result of the attack. "We found his motorcycle and his blowpipe equipment. "There were also tiger footprints at the scene. Since then, the villagers daren't enter the jungle alone," he said. On Oct 3, 2023, Pisie Amud was reported to have been mauled to death by a tiger while out hunting on his own in the oil palm plantation near his village.
Barnama
28-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
PERKESO Benefits Offer Relief To Family Of Former Media Practitioner
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The widow of a former journalist who died of lymphoma last week is among the latest recipients of social security support from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), in what she described as a crucial lifeline for her family. Anis Sabariah Kamaruddin, 45, whose husband Mohd Khairi Mazlan passed away on May 25, will receive a one-off Funeral Management Benefit (FPM) of RM3,000 and a monthly Survivors' Pension of RM2,553. In a statement today, PERKESO stated that the benefits, made possible by Mohd Khairi's final contribution in June 2021, are set to commence by the end of this month. Anis, now the sole carer for four children aged between nine and 20, including one with special needs, said the assistance was deeply appreciated. 'Alhamdulillah, these benefits will help us meet daily expenses and support our children's education,' she said. The late Mohd Khairi had a long-standing career, having worked with Utusan Malaysia, New Straits Times and Dagang News. PERKESO described his passing as an irreplaceable loss to his family and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that contributors and their dependents are not left behind. 'Social security protection is more than just financial aid. It represents enduring care and love for those left behind,' it said. PERKESO also reminded employers of their responsibility to make consistent contributions on behalf of employees, stressing that such protection is vital in the face of life's uncertainties.
Malaysian Reserve
27-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Perkeso elevating prevention, rehab and job reintegration as Malaysia ages
Its strategic shift from compensation-based support to prevention and rehabilitation marks a significant evolution in its mandate by AKMAR ANNUAR THE Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) is expanding its role beyond traditional social protection to address the complex needs of older Malaysians as the country prepares to enter aged nation status by 2030. With rising life expectancy and a growing elderly population, Perkeso's strategic shift from compensation-based support to prevention and rehabilitation marks a significant evolution in its mandate. CEO Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed firmly believes that prevention should come before rehabilitation, and rehabilitation should come before compensation. 'The organisation is committed to building an inclusive, future-ready protection system that evolves with the country's demographic realities,' he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). Malaysia is expected to become an aged nation in just five years, with 14% of its population aged 65 and above. The looming 'silver tsunami' has long been anticipated, prompting Perkeso to roll out targeted initiatives over the past decade. The organisation is committed to building an inclusive, future-ready protection system, says Dr Mohammed Azman (pic: MEDIA MULIA) Early Detection One of its earliest measures was the Health Screening Programme (HSP), launched in 2013 to detect chronic illnesses early among insured persons aged 40 and above. The HSP includes physical examinations, blood and urine tests, pap smears and mammograms for women, and mental health screening. As of April 19 this year, 883,521 individuals had benefitted from the programme. Dr Mohammed Azman said the initiative helps lower long-term healthcare costs and reduces disability risks by ensuring timely treatment and promoting healthy ageing. Private sector workers under 60 are statutorily covered under the Employment Injury Scheme and the Invalidity Pension Scheme, as provided by the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4). Those who continue working after 60 are still required to contribute to the Employ- ment Injury Scheme, with employers contributing 1.25% of monthly wages. As of March 2025, there were 342,887 active contributors aged 60 and above under Act 4. Meanwhile, self-employed and informal sector workers are covered under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789). This includes gig workers such as e-hailing drivers, delivery riders and, since January this year, hawkers and petty traders. Self-employed workers, including hawkers and petty traders, are covered under Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789) (pic: TMRpic) A total of 103,833 self-employed persons aged 60 and above are now actively covered under Act 789. Perkeso also supports job-matching and reintegration through its MyFutureJobs portal, which offers career fairs, placement programmes and upskilling opportunities. To date, 15,553 older workers from this group have been successfully placed into employment. Recent figures also show a steady increase in payouts to older contributors, reflecting rising demand for support. Under Act 4, a total of 11,437 beneficiaries aged 60 and above were recorded in 2023, followed by 9,951 in 2024 and 2,376 in the first quarter of 2025. Under Act 789, Perkeso registered 511 beneficiaries in 2023; 767 in 2024 and 237 in the first quarter of this year. Dr Mohammed Azman elaborated that Perkeso's actuarial models now account for age-specific incidence of illness, injury and disability to better estimate future liabilities. He explained that the agency is reviewing eligibility conditions, contribution rules and benefit scope to reflect the realities of a greying workforce. To manage costs, Perkeso now operates 5 of its own dialysis centres, reducing reliance on over 800 third-party providers Managing Cost One of Perkeso's biggest sustainability concerns is rising medical inflation, especially as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increase. In 2023, 29,310 insured persons were diagnosed with NCDs, a 26.5% increase from 23,174 in 2022. Perkeso has also borne the full cost of dialysis for insured individuals with end-stage kidney failure since 1999. What began as an RM1.12 million expenditure has grown to RM350 million annually. To manage costs, Perkeso now operates five of its own dialysis centres — in Klang and Shah Alam, Selangor; Kluang and Batu Pahat, Johor; and Kuala Lumpur (KL) — reducing reliance on over 800 third-party providers. Dr Mohammed Azman noted that gradual policy shifts are being considered to ensure social protection remains financially viable while meeting the health needs of a longer-living population. He added that protecting income alone is no longer sufficient — the goal is income sustainability and re-employment where possible. Perkeso Return-to-Work (RTW) programme continues to play a critical role in rehabilitating injured and disabled workers. Since 2020, 3,214 workers aged 60 and above have been referred to the programme. Of that total, 1,957 (61%) have successfully rejoined the workforce. A majority (78%) were reinstated into their pre-injury roles, while 15% started microenterprises supported by Perkeso's capital grants and advisory services. Industries with the highest RTW placements among older workers include manufacturing (21%), wholesale and retail (18%), and transport and storage (11%). In terms of job retention, 92% of cases successfully remained employed at their workplaces for a period of three months or above. To improve outcomes, Perkeso has introduced geriatric-informed case management. These plans incorporate physical, cognitive and psychological assessments and are administered by trained Disability Management Officers. Wellness modules and preventive screenings are also embedded in the rehabilitation journey. Additionally, Perkeso is formalising flexible reintegration pathways, allowing elderly workers to return on a part-time or phased basis in collaboration with employers. The agency offers mini-grants, ergonomic audits, workplace modifications and job coaching to support these transitions. It works with age-friendly employers and Human Resource Development Corp (HRDCorp) to develop training in digital literacy, modified-duty skills and entrepreneurship. To monitor the results of these reintegration and shape future policies, a centralised outcomes dashboard is being built. Despite these efforts, awareness and participation among informal and elderly workers remain low. Many senior citizens are still working in sectors such as agriculture but are not aware of their eligibility to be protected Lack of Awareness Universiti Malaya Social Wellbeing Research Centre director Prof Emer Datuk Norma Mansor said that only 26% of the estimated 1.1 million informal workers are contributing to Perkeso. 'The lack of awareness and the voluntary nature of these schemes are major hurdles,' she told TMR. She said a recent survey conducted by her centre found that 30% of Malaysians aged between 60 and 69 are still working, along with 16% of those aged between 70 and 79 and 4.5% of those over 80. Many of them are in agriculture, forestry and informal services. Yet, she said, they are not aware of their eligibility to be protected. Norma acknowledged Perkeso's outreach efforts, including public expos and campaigns, but noted that awareness gaps persist even among community leaders. 'Some community heads I spoke to did not even know elderly informal workers could enrol, and that is a problem,' she disclosed. She said while Malaysia's universal healthcare system is praiseworthy, public long-term care services remain minimal. 'Most long-term care is family-provided. We have very little institutional support or public spending in this space,' she added. Norma said Malaysia also lacks insurance options for long-term care, which leaves the elderly exposed. She explained that most private insurance policies either become void or require prohibitively high premiums once individuals reach a certain age, effectively leaving low-income elderly people without any form of financial protection. She proposed a mandatory contribution model for all working Malaysians into a national social protection fund. 'It could be small contributions — perhaps subsidised or paid by family members — but everyone should be included,' she said. Norma proposes a mandatory contribution model for all working Malaysians into a national social protection fund Norma warned that as Malaysia ages, the country could face intergenerational poverty and a shrinking workforce if ageing needs are not addressed. She said if the social protection system fails to support older individuals, their adult children may have to leave the workforce to become full-time caregivers, which would result in a significant loss to the economy. Norma called for stronger collaboration between Perkeso and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to create a more sustainable model. 'Perkeso should handle protection against illness and injury, while EPF ensures retirement income. Together, they can build a more comprehensive net,' she said. Norma also emphasised that Malaysia should benchmark against countries like Australia and New Zealand, where ageing citizens benefit from more structured social and eldercare systems. Malaysia needs a long-term care strategy that combines public funding, community-based care and viable insurance models. 'Currently, it is left to chance. We need a national approach that considers longer lifespans, delayed retirement and chronic care needs,' she said. During the Movement Control Order (MCO), Perkeso stepped in with temporary assistance schemes for retrenched individuals. 'It was during MCO that I truly saw what Perkeso can do. It kept many afloat,' she said. She also highlighted the gap in coverage for informal workers who lack access to the Employment Insurance System (EIS). These workers are highly vulnerable and that it is time to make social protection universal, not segmented. Ageing is also not only a healthcare or welfare issue but one that cuts across economic development and social justice. 'We can no longer afford to think of ageing as a marginal issue. It is now mainstream,' she said. Beneficiaries Retirees and workers interviewed by TMR highlighted the value of Perkeso's schemes. A Komlah, a 49-year-old widow, receives RM2,673 monthly under the Dependant's Benefit scheme after her husband died in a factory accident. Perkeso also covered funeral costs and helped her daughter secure employment via MyFutureJobs. Ahmad Nasrin, a 59-year-old construction worker, was retrained and rehired as a safety supervisor after a spinal injury while former port manager Vijay Nadarajah re-entered the job market after being forcibly retired at 60. 'Sixty is the new 50. We are still capable, but there is little structured help for us,' he said. Currently, Perkeso's invalidity pension is only payable if a person becomes disabled before 60. After that, only employment-related injuries are covered, leaving gaps for age-related illnesses or disabilities post-retirement. Norma said this loophole must be addressed by evolving the legal framework to ensure continuous protection regardless of age. Perkeso has laid a strong foundation, but its role will need to be continuously expanded, reformed and strengthened to meet Malaysia's changing demographic landscape. 'Ageing with dignity means more than surviving. It means being seen, supported and secure,' Norma said. With nearly half a million older workers already under its care, Perkeso is well-positioned to anchor Malaysia's transition into an inclusive and compassionate ageing society. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
