PUTRAJAYA: A total of 50,000 taxi, rental car and bus drivers have received full sponsorship for their Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributions for the year.
The Transport Ministry funded the remaining 10 per cent of the contribution after the government announced in the 2024 Budget a 90 per cent contribution for the drivers under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS).
The remaining 10 per cent Perkeso contribution involved RM23.30 per driver.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the 10 per cent contribution, totaling RM1.165 million, was raised through the bidding for the exclusive "GOLD" vehicle registration numbers.
"From the RM17 million bidding proceeds, the Transport Ministry used RM8.5 million for this initiative.
"This sponsorship is open to all taxi, rental car and bus drivers who have a driver's card and PSV (public service vehicle) licence," he said in his speech at the launch ceremony.
Loke said this contribution aimed to boost the social safety net for the families of the drivers if any accident occurred while the drivers were working.
"If drivers get in an accident, their families will also be victims as they will lose their source of income.
"With this contribution, 50,000 families will have an insurance scheme and a social safety net. They can get compensation or a monthly pension.
"This is an important social safety net for our community. There are many Malaysians who are self-employed and they face more risks."
He said for drivers who have contributed to Perkeso this year, the organisation would announce a refund mechanism soon.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said contributors could receive eight benefits and protections, including medical benefits, temporary disability benefits and permanent disability benefits.
He said the ministry and Perkeso were committed to protecting contributors.
"Up to March, RM3.5 million in claims have been channelled to 755 applicant sunder the SKSPS. In 2023, RM31 million was disbursed to 5,494 claimants.
"Perkeso's review found a significant increase of 87.5 per cent in benefit payments compared with 2022.
"This shows that the contributions ensure a social safety net for contributors."
He said the ministry aimed to get 500,000 self-employed people to join and contribute to the SKSPS from the current 433,881.
ENDS
KW: Anthony Loke, Steven Sim, Perkeso, Socso, social security, worker protection, Transport Ministry, Human Resources Ministry
From: Iylia