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Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
SOCSO: Modest Contributions, Comprehensive Protection
M isfortune often strikes without warning and in today's increasingly challenging world, insurance protection is no longer a choice but a growing necessity for every family. Without insurance coverage, a family or individual may face financial pressure in the event of a disaster, particularly involving health or property. In Malaysia, aside from insurance offered by the private sector – which usually involves high monthly premium payments – the public can obtain similar protection from the Social Security Organisation (Socso). Socso, an agency under the Ministry of Human Resources, provides social security protection to Malaysian employees who, through small monthly contributions, are entitled to benefits such as accident compensation, medical treatment and disability allowance. It even provides assistance to those who lose their jobs. The organisation is also actively involved in rehabilitation, retraining and workforce employability programmes. Amid the shifting employment landscape, Socso is enhancing its role in protecting the security and well-being of the nation's workforce. DIFFERENT Sharing his views, INCEIF University Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Islamic Economics director (interim) Mohd Zaidi Md Zabri said making monthly contributions to Socso is mandatory for most workers. Comparing Socso with private insurance companies, he said the former is a non-profit-oriented organisation and provides protection to contributors under its Employment Injury Scheme, Invalidity Scheme and Employment Insurance. INCEIF University Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Islamic Economics director (interim) Mohd Zaidi Md Zabri. Private insurance schemes, by contrast, are optional and profit-driven, with insurers offering coverage plans based on premium payments made by policyholders. 'The benefits provided by private insurers depend on the type of policy taken. But Socso, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive protection package to contributors, regardless of their financial background,' Mohd Zaidi told Bernama. He added that the protection offered by Socso is inclusive as coverage is also extended to self-employed people including housewives and gig economy workers through its Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS). Under this scheme, self-employed individuals only need to pay RM70 per year, which is 30 percent of the total contribution of RM232.80, with the remaining 70 percent (RM162.80) funded by the government. The scheme allows the self-employed to enjoy social security protection at a very low cost, yet with comprehensive benefits in the event of an accident, disability or death while performing their work. 'The protection offered by Socso to the self-employed is not only affordable but also more comprehensive compared to most private insurance plans, which charge high premiums for equivalent protection,' Mohd Zaidi added. Since its introduction under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017, SKSPS has reportedly recorded over 500,000 active contributors as of May 2024. PRINCIPLE OF JUSTICE Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Faculty of Economics and Banking senior lecturer Dr Mohd Faisol Ibrahim said workers' contributions to Socso are based on the principle of justice, regardless of their backgrounds. He said its contribution system also ensures that lower-income groups receive appropriate benefits, unlike private insurers which tend to operate based on profit motives and commercial risk assessments. 'For example, high-risk individuals such as older people or those with a history of illness will be charged higher premiums or may be outright rejected by private insurers (deemed ineligible for coverage). 'In contrast, Socso offers protection to all contributors without discrimination and its services and products are delivered through the principles of risk-sharing, brotherhood and social solidarity,' he said. He added that in its nearly 54 years of operations, Socso has implemented many reforms to fulfill its objectives by assisting and easing the burden on contributors through basic yet comprehensive social protection schemes. 'Many reforms have been made by Socso since it was established (in 1971). Even with only a small contribution, the benefits received are still worthwhile compared to existing (private) insurance or takaful (a type of Islamic insurance) schemes. 'These reforms are timely and ensure the claims or benefits provide some relief to contributors, especially those who have lost their jobs or have become disabled (due to work-related accidents),' he said. TAKAFUL CONCEPT Elaborating on the matter, Mohd Faisol suggested that Socso reevaluate its strategies by viewing social protection not only from a micro perspective but also from a macro perspective that considers the reality of people's lives. SKSPS allows the self-employed to enjoy social security protection at a very low cost. He said although Socso is essentially an institution based on the concept of social insurance, it is time for the organisation to adopt more progressive and dynamic changes. Among the strategic approaches worth exploring, he said, is the introduction of takaful-based products and services that align with syariah principles. He explained that this move would not only make Socso more inclusive and responsive to the needs of different segments of society but could also position the agency as a new player in the country's takaful industry. 'Such an initiative can offer Muslim contributors the option of syariah-compliant protection plans, while others (non-Muslims) can either opt for takaful or remain with the conventional model,' he said. Mohd Faisol added that the development of the Islamic financial system in Malaysia also presents broad opportunities for Socso to maximise syariah-compliant investments, thereby benefiting from the ecosystem in planning its investment strategies. He said investments in Islamic financial instruments, including syariah-compliant real estate, can generate more stable returns and help grow the organisation's fund which, in turn, can assure contributors of better benefits and compensations in the future. 'The concept of 'insuring the people' should be expanded into a broader mission of 'ensuring the people's well-being',' he said. 'This approach will not only keep Socso relevant but also strong and more proactive in ensuring the overall welfare of the people.' SIMPLIFY PROCESS Mohd Faisol also urged Socso to simplify the claims process for contributors and speed up the approval timeline. He said although standard operating procedures are in place, the organisation can improve them to ease the burden on contributors seeking help in difficult times. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Faculty of Economics and Banking senior lecturer Dr Mohd Faisol Ibrahim He added that a straightforward claims process could encourage more individuals, especially the self-employed, to contribute to the agency for their own social safety net. 'In some cases, claims may be rejected due to various factors, including incomplete information, employers failing to make contributions or discrepancies in medical reports. 'This situation will certainly affect contributors, especially those in poor health or who have lost their jobs. Therefore, the system must be improved to ensure that the claims process is efficient, transparent and user-friendly,' he said. Meanwhile, a 45-year-old Socso contributor, who wished to be known as Wati, acknowledged there have been complaints about difficulties in making claims, including complex documentation processes, challenges in obtaining supporting documents and long waiting periods for approval. 'You can see on social media, for instance, people expressing frustration when their applications are rejected or not approved... perhaps because they don't know or understand how to submit a claim, so Socso itself needs to strengthen communication, including making regular announcements to the public. 'As for me, I'm truly grateful to have received compensation after being laid off in 2023… although it took a bit of time to complete the forms, I found it worthwhile. At the very least, I had some pocket money during the period I was unemployed,' said Wati, who received an allowance from Socso for six months after being laid off due to company downsizing. -- BERNAMA
Barnama
14-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Extension Of SKSPS, i-Saraan Reflects Govt's Commitment To Part-time Journalists' Welfare
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The extension of the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), along with contributions to the i-Saraan scheme by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), for part-time media practitioners reflects the government's commitment to ensuring no group is left behind in accessing social protection. Part-time Utusan Malaysia journalist Muhamad Iqbal Hamdan, who is also a committee member of the Penang Mutiara Media Club, said the initiative reflected the government's appreciation for the contributions of part-time journalists who were frequently exposed to risks while covering assignments. 'I hope these kinds of initiatives will carry on in the coming years so new part-time journalists can enjoy the same protection benefits,' he said when met by Bernama at the highlight of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today. Perak Media Practitioners Association (PPMP) chairman Sayed Hesham Syed Idris said the move gave part-time media practitioners the confidence and assurance to carry out their duties in the field. 'PPMP views the extension as demonstrating the government's concern in looking after the welfare of part-time journalists, given that many of them are not permanent employees and have no retirement savings. 'This initiative shows that the government is listening to the voices of the media, especially part-time journalists who do not enjoy the same benefits as permanent staff,' he said, expressing hope that an insurance scheme would also be introduced for part-time journalists. Kedah Elite Media Club (KMEK) president M. Hifzudin Ikhsan described the extension of Perkeso protection for another year as a meaningful initiative for the club's members. 'This contribution not only ensures the safety of our members who work on a part-time basis, but also upholds their right to proper protection,' he said. Echoing the same sentiment, Terengganu Media Journalists' Club (KAWAT) president Ahmad Syafri Husnaini Mohamad said the extension indirectly helped ease the burden of part-time staff who did not have a fixed income.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Extension of SKSPS, i-Saraan reflects govt's commitment to part-time journalists' welfare
KUALA LUMPUR: The extension of the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), along with contributions to the i-Saraan scheme by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), for part-time media practitioners reflects the government's commitment to ensuring no group is left behind in accessing social protection. Part-time Utusan Malaysia journalist Muhamad Iqbal Hamdan, who is also a committee member of the Penang Mutiara Media Club, said the initiative reflected the government's appreciation for the contributions of part-time journalists who were frequently exposed to risks while covering assignments. 'I hope these kinds of initiatives will carry on in the coming years so new part-time journalists can enjoy the same protection benefits,' he said when met by Bernama at the highlight of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today. Perak Media Practitioners Association (PPMP) chairman Sayed Hesham Syed Idris said the move gave part-time media practitioners the confidence and assurance to carry out their duties in the field. 'PPMP views the extension as demonstrating the government's concern in looking after the welfare of part-time journalists, given that many of them are not permanent employees and have no retirement savings. 'This initiative shows that the government is listening to the voices of the media, especially part-time journalists who do not enjoy the same benefits as permanent staff,' he said, expressing hope that an insurance scheme would also be introduced for part-time journalists. Kedah Elite Media Club (KMEK) president M. Hifzudin Ikhsan described the extension of Perkeso protection for another year as a meaningful initiative for the club's members. 'This contribution not only ensures the safety of our members who work on a part-time basis, but also upholds their right to proper protection,' he said. Echoing the same sentiment, Terengganu Media Journalists' Club (KAWAT) president Ahmad Syafri Husnaini Mohamad said the extension indirectly helped ease the burden of part-time staff who did not have a fixed income. 'We hope this initiative will continue in the future to ensure the safety of journalists and the welfare of their families,' he said. Pahang Media Practitioners Association (Pahang Press) secretary Mohd Zalani Atan said the i-Saraan scheme provided part-time journalists or stringers with the opportunity to plan for their retirement in a more organised manner. 'We are aware that many part-time media practitioners don't have fixed contributions or social protection like those with monthly salaries. I believe many of our media friends will start to realise the importance of planning for the long term,' he said. Melaka Media Practitioners Club (Pendika) president Amir Mamat said the initiative could help ease the burden on part-time journalists after they leave the field, particularly in terms of saving for old age. Meanwhile, part-time journalist in Perlis, Mohd Aizat Sharif Fisalluddin, 41, said the EPF i-Saraan initiative gave part-time media practitioners the opportunity to enjoy retirement savings similar to those of permanent employees. 'It gives part-time media practitioners hope and some room to breathe, so they can carry on with their lives,' he said. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, at the highlight of the HAWANA 2025 celebration, announced an allocation of RM53,100 this year for the two initiatives. He said that of the total amount, RM37,170 was allocated for the extension of SKSPS coverage, which benefited 531 part-time media practitioners for a period of one year last year, while the remaining RM15,930 was for i-Saraan EPF contributions. The initiative is implemented through the synergy between the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Perkeso. Among the benefits provided under SKSPS are medical treatment, temporary and permanent disablement benefits, dependants' benefits, funeral management assistance and a constant attendance allowance, while i-Saraan offers protection after retirement. The event, themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by about 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Govt extends SKSPS, i-Saraan for part-time journalists' welfare
KUALA LUMPUR: The extension of the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), along with contributions to the i-Saraan scheme by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), for part-time media practitioners reflects the government's commitment to ensuring no group is left behind in accessing social protection. Part-time Utusan Malaysia journalist Muhamad Iqbal Hamdan, who is also a committee member of the Penang Mutiara Media Club, said the initiative reflected the government's appreciation for the contributions of part-time journalists who were frequently exposed to risks while covering assignments. 'I hope these kinds of initiatives will carry on in the coming years so new part-time journalists can enjoy the same protection benefits,' he said when met by Bernama at the highlight of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today. Perak Media Practitioners Association (PPMP) chairman Sayed Hesham Syed Idris said the move gave part-time media practitioners the confidence and assurance to carry out their duties in the field. 'PPMP views the extension as demonstrating the government's concern in looking after the welfare of part-time journalists, given that many of them are not permanent employees and have no retirement savings. 'This initiative shows that the government is listening to the voices of the media, especially part-time journalists who do not enjoy the same benefits as permanent staff,' he said, expressing hope that an insurance scheme would also be introduced for part-time journalists. Kedah Elite Media Club (KMEK) president M. Hifzudin Ikhsan described the extension of Perkeso protection for another year as a meaningful initiative for the club's members. 'This contribution not only ensures the safety of our members who work on a part-time basis, but also upholds their right to proper protection,' he said. Echoing the same sentiment, Terengganu Media Journalists' Club (KAWAT) president Ahmad Syafri Husnaini Mohamad said the extension indirectly helped ease the burden of part-time staff who did not have a fixed income. 'We hope this initiative will continue in the future to ensure the safety of journalists and the welfare of their families,' he said. Pahang Media Practitioners Association (Pahang Press) secretary Mohd Zalani Atan said the i-Saraan scheme provided part-time journalists or stringers with the opportunity to plan for their retirement in a more organised manner. 'We are aware that many part-time media practitioners don't have fixed contributions or social protection like those with monthly salaries. I believe many of our media friends will start to realise the importance of planning for the long term,' he said. Melaka Media Practitioners Club (Pendika) president Amir Mamat said the initiative could help ease the burden on part-time journalists after they leave the field, particularly in terms of saving for old age. Meanwhile, part-time journalist in Perlis, Mohd Aizat Sharif Fisalluddin, 41, said the EPF i-Saraan initiative gave part-time media practitioners the opportunity to enjoy retirement savings similar to those of permanent employees. 'It gives part-time media practitioners hope and some room to breathe, so they can carry on with their lives,' he said. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, at the highlight of the HAWANA 2025 celebration, announced an allocation of RM53,100 this year for the two initiatives. He said that of the total amount, RM37,170 was allocated for the extension of SKSPS coverage, which benefited 531 part-time media practitioners for a period of one year last year, while the remaining RM15,930 was for i-Saraan EPF contributions. The initiative is implemented through the synergy between the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Perkeso. Among the benefits provided under SKSPS are medical treatment, temporary and permanent disablement benefits, dependants' benefits, funeral management assistance and a constant attendance allowance, while i-Saraan offers protection after retirement. The event, themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by about 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Govt allocates RM53,100 for part-time media practioners' welfare
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM53,100 this year for two welfare initiatives for part-time media practitioners — the extension of the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) under the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and contributions to the i-Saraan scheme under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that of the total amount, RM37,170 was allocated for the extension of SKSPS coverage, which benefited 531 part-time media practitioners for a period of one year last year, while the remaining RM15,930 was for i-Saraan EPF contributions. He said the initiative was implemented through the synergy between the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Socso. 'Among the benefits under the SKSPS are medical benefits, temporary disablement benefits, permanent disablement benefits, dependants' benefits, funeral management benefits and constant attendance allowance,' he said in his welcoming speech at the highlight of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. The event, themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by about 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching were among those present. Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who is also HAWANA 2025 project director, and the top management of local media companies. Fahmi said that this year, protection for part-time media practitioners has been expanded to include retirement savings under the i-Saraan scheme, involving an allocation of RM15,930, and the initiative will benefit them upon retirement. On the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, established in April 2023, Fahmi said that to date, 441 media practitioners nationwide have benefited from the initiative, with contributions amounting to over RM1.2 million. The HAWANA 2025 celebration is organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, aimed at recognising the role and contributions of media practitioners to national development. May 29 has been gazetted as National Journalists' Day, in conjunction with the first publication of the Utusan Melayu newspaper on May 29, 1939.
