KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) disbursed RM5.99 billion from January to October 2024, benefitting 968,693 recipients under various social protection schemes.
The largest portion of payouts was made under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4), with 805,063 recipients receiving nearly RM4.8 billion.
Under the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800), RM252.4 million was distributed to 149,341 recipients, while the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789) provided RM25.97 million to support 5,428 individuals.
Foreign contributors under Act 4 received RM26.91 million, benefitting 6,864 recipients, while RM2.5 million was distributed to 1,997 recipients under the Housewives' Social Security Act 2022 (Act 838).
PERKESO emphasised its critical role in Malaysia's social protection framework, highlighting that its comprehensive schemes not only safeguard workers and their families but also strengthen the nation's social safety net.
Additionally, as of Dec 13, 2024, PERKESO reported disbursing RM3.02 million for 280 job loss claims in the aviation sector.
In line with its commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive workforce, PERKESO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM).
This partnership aims to enhance compliance with social security regulations, protect employee welfare, and create more job opportunities for local talent in the aviation industry.
This MoU also aims to enhance enforcement within the aviation sector by improving compliance with social security regulations and protecting employee welfare.
"This MoU reinforces our commitment to protecting the welfare of aviation employees while ensuring compliance with key social security regulations, said PERKESO group chief executive officer Datuk Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
"Through this partnership, we aim to introduce innovative solutions to tackle industry challenges, particularly by prioritising the placement of skilled Malaysian workers in critical roles," he said.
During the pandemic, the organisation disbursed RM20.34 billion through the Wage Subsidy Programme (PSU), supporting 357,520 employers and sustaining the employment of around 2.954 million local workers. Of this amount, over 800 aviation sector employees benefitted from RM13 million in wage subsidies, PERKESO said.
PERKESO said that the MoU facilitates the exchange of information on aviation service providers' obligations under key legislative frameworks, including Act 4, Act 800, and the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 (Act 771).
As part of the initiative, PERKESO will launch the National Career Exploration Centre (NPCEC) in 2025, offering a physical support hub, a metaverse platform for digital career exploration, and a virtual career carnival.