THE Social Security Organisation (Socso) remains steadfast in its aim to provide sustainable social security protection to Malaysia's workforce, which has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said Socso's commitment has not wavered since its inception in 1971, when it was first established to administer and provide social security for workers in the formal sector.
Fast-forward five decades later, Socso has broadened its initiatives to also cover those in the informal sector, the self-employed and foreign workers.
The pandemic that swept the country for close to two years now has opened the people's eyes on the big role and responsibility shouldered by Socso in helping affected workers to weather the challenging times, he said.
Socso, he added, has played its role as a primary agency tasked with the huge mandate of materialising some of the government's stimulus packages to relieve the people's burden.
"Having assumed the responsibility as minister for over a year now, I am proud that Socso, as one of the main agencies under the ministry, had carried out its responsibilities excellently through various initiatives and programmes to assist the people to tide over the pandemic.
"I am confident that through the many efforts by the government, including those conducted by Socso as well as the high vaccination rate, the country's economy will be vibrantly revived.
"My only hope is to see the revival of the nation's workforce and to rebuild the workers' careers, lives and future.
"I share the same dream as Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia's second prime minister, who in his speech while launching the Social Security Scheme on June 1, 1972, expressed his wish to see every Malaysian regardless of background and at every stage of their lives, from the womb to the grave, to be given social security protection," said Saravanan in his speech to mark Socso's 50th anniversary.
Saravanan also said it is his hope for Socso to keep its momentum in enhancing service quality and expanding the social security net.
He said this is so that one day, the wishes of Tun Abdul Razak, who is known as the nation's Father of Development, will be fulfilled.
In realising this noble effort, he said Socso will always receive strong and undivided support from him.
"To all Socso staff, I congratulate and thank you for your commitment and dedication in protecting Malaysia and the people all this time.
"I wish Socso a Happy Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration. Continue to provide protection for the benefit of Keluarga Malaysia for the next 50 years to come and more," said Saravanan.
He also urged all employers and workers to register and contribute to Socso if they have not done so.
"By doing so, one gives the gift of peace and confidence to themselves that every sen contributed is an investment of self protection, as well as for their workers and loved ones," he added.
Datuk Seri M. Saravanan
Minister of Human Resources