New partnership to expand protection for housewives

KUALA LUMPUR: Co-opbank Pertama (CBP) is reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the people by expanding access to inclusive social protection that meets current needs.
In line with this vision, CBP chief executive officer Khairil Anuar Mohammad Anuar said CBP has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) as an official promotional partner to promote the Housewives' Social Security Scheme (SKSSR) across all CBP branches nationwide.
He said the partnership, which began in February, aims to widen the coverage of social security protection for housewives, particularly among CBP's female clients.
'The SKSSR was introduced under the Housewives' Social Security Act 2022 to provide coverage for housewives who suffer injuries, illnesses or disabilities while managing household responsibilities,' he said in a statement yesterday, reported Bernama.
The scheme is open to Malaysian citizens or permanent residents aged 55 and below, with benefits including medical care, permanent disability compensation, invalidity allowance, and access to physical rehabilitation or dialysis treatment.
'With an annual contribution of only RM120, coverage can be paid in advance by the housewife herself, her husband, other family members or any third party,' Khairil Anuar added.
He said as an official promotional partner, CBP will facilitate awareness and registration for SKSSR through its nationwide branch network, in addition to launching ongoing promotional campaigns across various social media platforms.
'This collaboration will be implemented through our nationwide branches, which will serve as information and support centres for customers seeking details about the scheme,' he said.
Khairil Anuar added that CBP also plans to run sustained promotional efforts on social media to ensure the importance of social protection for housewives reaches a broad and diverse audience effectively.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Star

42 minutes ago

• The Star

Bullied and ignored

WuTHE bystander effect – where individuals are less likely to help when others are present – is silently fuelling a bullying crisis in Malaysian schools. If left unchallenged, this culture of silence can deepen trauma and leave lasting scars on victims' mental health and self-worth. Part of the problem, experts say, lies in school culture. According to Sunway University School of Psychology senior lecturer Dr Wu Shin Ling, up to 70% of students remain silent when witnessing bullying. 'One of the main reasons is the fear of retaliation, where many students fear becoming the next target. This happens often, especially in closed environments like hostels, where escape is difficult,' she told StarEdu. 'Orientation programmes where senior students are permitted to 'educate' or 'toughen up' juniors through humiliation or intimidation are often framed as rites of passage but they can, in reality, perpetuate cycles of fear, silence and harm,' she added. Wu also highlighted early warning signs such as rigid social cliques, sudden behavioural shifts in once-engaged students, and casual jokes targeting specific identities such as race, gender or appearance. In some cases, she said, bullying becomes so normalised that students dismiss it as 'just how things are here'. Lone struggle For those who endured bullying in silence, the damage can be devastating. Adieka, now 30, still grapples with the long-term effects of bullying. 'It has affected my mental and emotional well-being,' he said. Bullied for his naivety and mocked for having an eidetic memory, he felt isolated and overlooked. 'I hoped others could have at least asked what happened and showed some concern,' he shared. Adieka is not alone in feeling this way. Stephanie, now 24, recalled being bullied physically and verbally. Her teachers missed the warning signs – withdrawal, silence, and tears in class. When she finally found the courage to speak up, nothing changed. 'The bullying continued as if my voice didn't matter. 'My peers were too afraid to speak up, and I dreaded going to school. It got so bad I had suicidal thoughts,' she said. For her, being a bystander is a choice. 'What if it were your own sibling, friend, or someone you cared about being targeted? Would you stay silent?' she asked. School support FouziNational Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon said school leadership is crucial in setting the tone for a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. 'When principals and administrators are proactive, transparent and consistent in addressing bullying, they create an environment where staff and students feel supported in speaking up,' he said. Fouzi pointed to the 'Garis Panduan Pengurusan Salah Laku Buli di Institusi Pendidikan (SPI KPM Bil. 12/2023)' as a key guideline that classifies various forms of bullying as serious misconduct. He added that beyond policies, programmes like Sekolahku Sejahtera and Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya (PRS) empower students to act as allies and peer supporters. 'The Sekolahku Sejahtera framework provides a conducive platform for schools to integrate anti-bullying messages and encourage students to intervene safely or report incidents,' he noted. Meanwhile, PRS trains selected student leaders to serve as peer counsellors and mediators, providing a safe outlet for other students to report bullying or seek support. Collective responsibility While peer-led initiatives offer critical support, Wu stressed the importance of starting even earlier, as early as primary school – with a focus on empathy and consequences of inaction. 'Cultivating a culture of collective responsibility is important, where every student and educator believes, 'If it's not okay, it's my job to say something,'' she said. To translate these values into action, both Wu and Fouzi called for clear systems of support – visible teacher intervention, safe reporting channels, and open communication. They asserted that teachers play a frontline role to encourage positive bystander behaviour among students. 'Classroom discussions, role-playing scenarios, and normalised conversations about social dynamics and power help to empower students to act,' Wu said. Fouzi suggested integrating social-emotional learning into lessons to help students develop empathy and confidence to stand up for others. To evaluate impact, he recommended that schools monitor trends through the Sistem Sahsiah Diri Murid portal, assess student feedback on safety and willingness to intervene, and track bystander-led reports. Ultimately, Wu said students are more likely to speak up when they see that action is taken and confidentiality is respected. Surviving the scars I was 13 when I witnessed someone being bullied. A girl was being cornered and mocked by a group of my batchmates. I stepped in and told them to stop. I didn't realise I had just become their new target. They spread lies, isolated me, and abused me physically. One night, they dragged the girl into the dorm's ironing room right in front of me. The worst happened when they attacked me with a hot iron. They said to the girl, 'Now, watch the person you thought could save you from getting punished.' I remember the pain and seeing that girl cry, even kneeling, kissing their feet, and begging them to stop. They laughed at how pathetic both of us looked. It was two of us against eight of them. I wished someone would come, but no one did. There were over 90 girls in the dorm, but no one stood up for me. Even the teachers and wardens didn't believe me. That moment broke me. I lost all my confidence and started skipping classes. I became suicidal and no longer believed in myself, or anyone else. I stopped talking and avoided people. I'd collapse from nightmares, exhaustion and fear. Eventually, I had to leave the school but the mental scars stayed. Years later, I attended therapy to process what had happened. It's a long journey, but I'm trying. If I could turn back time, I would still choose to stand up for her. I'm sharing this not to gain sympathy, but to remind people that bullying destroys lives. That silence can be deadly. And that kindness, just one voice speaking up, can save someone's life. – Lily*, 31 *Note: Name has been changed to protect the bullying survivor's identity. In the news 2024 June: Slapped in silence - A viral video showed a 13-year-old girl being slapped in a school toilet by her two 15-year-old schoolmates in Kerian, Perak, while other students watched silently - some even encouraged the act. - School authorities formed a committee to investigate the incident; two perpetrators were expelled and four were suspended. July: No more sweeping it under carpet - Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek responded to the Kerian incident, stating that investigations and disciplinary action were underway. - She emphasised that no bullying case should be swept under the carpet and pledged improved handling guidelines in collaboration with schools and police. November: Cadets expelled, accountability demanded - Five Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia cadet officers involved in three separate bullying incidents were expelled and ordered to pay compensation. - Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated this was to ensure accountability and deter future incidents. December: Legal reform and ministry push - The Dewan Rakyat passed the Penal Code (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2024, introducing harsher penalties for bullying and harassment, including: - Publishing victims' identities causing distress, fear or alarm. - Provoking self-harm or suicide (up to 10 years of jail, fine or both). - Education Ministry initiatives: - Enhanced tracking of misconduct through the Student Discipline System (SSDM). - Launched the 'Gerakan Kepimpinan Madani: Hentikan Buli' programme to end bullying culture in schools. 2025 January: Former students speak out - Two former residential school students said they were physically assaulted by their seniors - dunked in water or kicked in the ribs. - Fadhlina clarified the school was not under her ministry's purview but warned all school leaders to stop covering up bullying cases. March: 'Push-Up Punishment' in Teluk Intan - Sixty-two Form Two and Form Four students were reportedly forced to do 200 push-ups by two Form Five seniors, leading to muscle pain and swelling. April: Mara tightens the reins - A viral video showed MRSM Form Three boys pinning down and whipping another peer with a belt on a bed. - Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi rolled out anti-bullying initiatives across MRSM schools: - Special counsellor training - Regular monitoring - Direct involvement from the Mara leadership Example: At an MRSM, the disciplinary committee acted within 24 hours of a bullying report, showing improved responsiveness. June: Burnt in their sleep - A Form Two male student who pressed a hot iron on eight sleeping dormitory mates has been placed at the Henry Gurney School until he turns 17. Source: Media reports

Borneo Post

18 hours ago

• Borneo Post

Role of households in dengue prevention

Tan Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV), has remained one of the most pressing public health threats, particularly in tropical urban centers like Kota Kinabalu areas in Sabah. Transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, dengue infections continue to escalate despite years of government-led interventions such as fogging, larviciding, and public health education. While these strategies have played a role in limiting outbreaks, a persistent and frequently overlooked factor continues to undermine control efforts: the household environment. The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) has formulated guidelines on the prevention and control of dengue for households to form a critical frontline in the war against dengue. Understanding and addressing the factors that allow mosquitoes to breed within and around homes is key to breaking the cycle of transmission. The Aedes aegypti mosquito has evolved to thrive in human-made environments. Unlike other species that favor natural wetlands or rural ponds, Ae. aegypti actively seeks out artificial containers with clean, stagnant water for breeding. Commonly found habitats include buckets, roof gutters, potted plants, dish trays, old tires, and even bottle caps. Its breeding and biting behaviors further increase its threat: Ae. aegypti bites during the daytime, especially early mornings and late afternoons, often inside homes or in shaded areas near dwellings. Their eggs can survive without water for months, hatching when water becomes available. The entire mosquito life cycle — from egg to larva to adult — can be completed in seven to 10 days under optimal conditions, making it highly efficient at establishing new colonies rapidly after rain or in homes with poor sanitation. Despite this biological advantage, Aedes mosquitoes are not invincible. The most effective weapon against them is not fogging or chemical treatment, but source reduction — the elimination of breeding grounds. In this context, the household becomes both a risk and a solution. Most mosquito breeding occurs within a 100-meter radius of human activity. Studies conducted in Malaysian cities have shown that more than 50% of breeding sites are located within domestic settings, where household water containers, improperly managed waste, and poor drainage systems create ideal conditions. This reality highlights the critical need for residential-level interventions. The IEM Guidelines recommend that each household adopt a systematic and technical approach to prevent mosquito breeding. One of the most effective and simple measures is the weekly 10-minute inspection. Residents are advised to dedicate ten minutes each week to checking both inside and outside their homes for stagnant water. This includes commonly overlooked spots such as flowerpot trays, bathroom floor traps, kitchen sinks, laundry buckets, pet water dishes, and items left outdoors that may collect rainwater. However, inspections must go beyond simply tipping water out. Ae. aegypti eggs adhere to container walls and remain viable for months. Therefore, all water-holding items should be scrubbed, dried, and, where possible, stored in a dry position or covered to prevent refilling by rain or household use. A crucial but often under-managed aspect of residential design is water storage and rainwater harvesting. Many households, especially in semi-urban or water-insecure areas, rely on large containers to store water for cleaning or garden use. If these containers are left uncovered or only partially sealed, they become perfect breeding grounds. The IEM guidelines advise that all water storage should be fully sealed or covered with mosquito-proof mesh with apertures not exceeding 1.2 mm. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems should be designed with self-draining features, overflow outlets, and flush systems to prevent water stagnation in gutters, downpipes, and filtration components. Where sealing is not practical, safe biological larvicides such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) may be applied periodically. Roof gutter systems represent another hidden danger. Improperly installed or poorly maintained gutters trap organic matter such as leaves and silt, leading to blocked drains and water accumulation after rainfall. Slopes that are too shallow or absent of overflow mechanisms exacerbate this issue. According to the IEM, gutters should be cleaned at least monthly, and ideally be fitted with leaf guards, inspection ports, and anti-mosquito mesh over drain outlets. Any system collecting roof water should be designed with adequate fall gradient to ensure efficient flow and prevent pooling. The same attention must be paid to sanitation and household plumbing systems. Bathroom floor traps, unused toilets, and rarely used sinks can become stagnant if the water seal is not regularly replenished. Leaky pipes under kitchen cabinets or external taps can also result in puddles that serve as mosquito nurseries. It is advised that homeowners perform plumbing checks quarterly and fix leaking connections promptly. Floor traps and gully traps not in use should be sealed or treated with cooking oil, which forms a surface layer that suffocates larvae. Another often neglected contributor is poor waste management. Discarded items such as broken toys, cans, unused flowerpots, or even polystyrene containers left in gardens or porches can trap rainwater. In high-rise buildings, recycling materials such as plastic bottles or food containers stored in open-air spaces pose additional risk. The guidelines recommend that recyclables be punctured and dried before storage and always kept under cover. Homes should also undertake regular decluttering, particularly in outdoor areas and balconies. Community recycling centers and municipal contractors should support proper collection and disposal to reduce container waste exposure. While engineering solutions and technical recommendations form the backbone of prevention, behavioral change is what ensures their sustainability. Dengue prevention should become part of the household's weekly routine, alongside tasks such as sweeping or taking out the trash. Children should be taught to report stagnant water or mosquito sightings, while household helpers or tenants must be equally informed. Awareness campaigns rooted in WHO's COMBI (Communication for Behavioural Impact) model stress the importance of not just knowledge but habit formation. Posters, fridge magnets, and weekly SMS alerts have been successfully deployed in various localities to serve as reminders. When a suspected dengue case arises in a household, immediate containment is essential. The infected person should always sleep under a mosquito net, including daytime, to avoid being bitten by Aedes mosquitoes, which could then spread the virus. Simultaneously, the household should undergo a detailed inspection, not only of the patient's room but the entire compound. Neighbors must be alerted, and the local vector control unit — such as the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) should be notified to conduct fogging or larviciding in the vicinity. In this effort, stakeholder collaboration is indispensable. Homeowners, property managers, developers and municipal authorities must work together to address shared spaces and structural risks. Developers have a responsibility to incorporate mosquito-resistant design in new housing schemes. This includes proper landscaping to avoid water retention, the use of permeable pavements, well-graded drainage systems, and the installation of sealed water tanks and inspection-accessible gutters. For high-rise or gated communities, property managers must schedule quarterly inspections of rooftop water tanks, basements and sump pits. Maintenance logs should be maintained and subject to health inspections. Local authorities play a crucial role in enforcement and education. DBKK (Kota Kinabalu City Hall) and related councils must uphold existing health by-laws that prohibit the harboring of mosquito breeding sites. This can include issuing compound fines or warnings to households found in violation during routine checks. Equally important is the provision of public education materials in multiple languages to reach all segments of the population, including migrant workers and the elderly. Sabah's unique climatic and demographic conditions further intensify the need for household-level dengue resilience. The state's equatorial rainfall patterns and hot temperatures create year-round breeding conditions, while many residents live in low-density housing with access to outdoor space — increasing exposure to container habitats. During the monsoon season, when rain is frequent and intense, mosquito populations can surge rapidly, outpacing fogging efforts. Therefore, household preparation and maintenance must be intensified before, during, and after seasonal peaks. Historical data from Kota Kinabalu district show that dengue outbreaks have occurred in predictable cycles, often corresponding to periods of sustained rainfall and stagnation of preventive efforts. The National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) has noted that case clusters frequently originate from residential areas where multiple breeding sites are found within proximity. In one notable case in Kota Kinabalu district in 2022, over 60% of the breeding sites were traced to household premises, despite weekly fogging efforts in public spaces. This highlights the irreplaceable role of domestic source control. In conclusion, household-level dengue control is not merely an auxiliary component of vector management — it is the foundation upon which all other strategies rest. Engineering controls, environmental design, behavioral adaptation and policy enforcement must converge at the household level to sustainably reduce dengue transmission. The IEM Guidelines offer a scientifically grounded and practically implementable framework for empowering households to play a leading role in mosquito control. In a rapidly urbanizing city like Kota Kinabalu where human activity constantly reshapes the environment, household vigilance, maintenance discipline, and structural design must evolve in parallel. A mosquito-free home is not just a private benefit — it is public responsibility and a civic duty. As dengue continues to pose a threat to public health, the pathway to control lies not in complex technology, but in consistent, collective household action — one container, one drain, and one home at a time.

The Star

a day ago

• The Star

Three Malaysian haj pilgrims die from heart attacks in Saudi

PETALING JAYA: There have been two more deaths of Malaysian haj pilgrims in the holy land, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) wrote in a Facebook post on Friday (June 20) that Tabung Haji has managed all the needs of the deceased in accordance with Islamic law, including the management of the burial in the Holy Land. 'On behalf of the Malaysian Government and all members of the haj agency, I express my condolences to the family members of the deceased. May their souls be granted forgiveness, mercy and placed among the righteous,' wrote Mohd Na'im The first pilgrim, Abd Wahab Yahaya, aged 63, from Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor, died on 19 June at 4.50pm (Saudi time) due to a heart attack at Hotel Al-Mubarak, Shisha. The second pilgrim, Mohamed Jafri Yahya, aged 60, from Tanah Rata, Pahang, died on 19 June at 7.39pm (Saudi time) due to a heart attack at Hospital Jiwar, Makkah. The third pilgrim, Norizan Tarsi, aged 59, from Butterworth, Penang, died on 20 June at 6.45am (Saudi time) due to a heart attack at Abraj Al-Tayseer. More than 31,600 Malaysians performed the haj pilgrimage this year, which concluded on June 9. Malaysian pilgrims had begun returning home from June 14 onwards.