ALOR GAJAH: Some 1.2 million workers who had previously opted not to contribute to the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) Lindung 24 Jam scheme have been urged to take up the protection following the announcement of an additional annual tax relief of RM150 under the 2027 Budget.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the incentive offered workers a good opportunity to resume contributions to ensure they had social security protection in the event of accidents outside working hours.
He said the importance of such protection was underscored by the 10,424 claims recorded under the scheme from June 1 to Sept 30, equivalent to an average of 85 cases a day.
"These figures remind us that accidents can happen at any time and that financial protection is crucial when someone faces adversity," he told reporters after launching the i Lindung u Gegar @ Melaka programme at Dataran Keris today.
He said the government understood public concerns over disposable income amid inflationary pressures driven by global factors, but social security protection must remain a priority.
Ramanan said the proposed Traveller Scheme for 480,000 Malaysians who travel daily to Singapore would be tabled in Parliament during the current sitting and implemented as promised by the prime minister when he announced it on Labour Day.
He also urged gig economy platform providers to utilise the RM30 million 2027 Budget allocation under the Lindung Kendiri scheme by co-funding contributions, which would boost the matching social security rate from 35 percent to 50 percent for gig workers earning RM3,000 or less.
"We also want to remind platform providers that enforcement to ensure compliance with Perkeso contributions began on Oct 1, including the obligation to make mandatory contribution deductions and integrate their respective systems with Perkeso's system," he said.
Meanwhile, the first i Lindung u Gegar @ Melaka programme held in the state targets 15,000 visitors as part of efforts by the Human Resources Ministry and Perkeso to bring government services closer to the public.
At the same programme, 400 housewives in Melaka were registered as Lindung Kasih contributors, making them eligible for Perkeso protection in the event of unforeseen mishaps.
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