SUNGAI PETANI: A total of 7,334 housewives in the state have registered for the Suri Incentive Programme (i-Suri) under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).
State Perkeso director Rak Boon Tan Rat said from January to August, 6,301 of the housewives were government-sponsored contributors and 1,033 were self-contributors.
She said the agency's Sungai Petani branch had the highest number of self-contributors at 373, followed by the state office branch with 367, Kulim with 263 and Langkawi with 30.
However, Rak Boon said the overall participation remained relatively low and she encouraged more housewives to join the scheme.
"We aim for all housewives to contribute to the scheme. Although their work may be informal, they face domestic risks at home, such as accidents and illnesses that could affect their ability to manage the household.
"That's why Perkeso created this platform, allowing housewives to access benefits and protection for an annual contribution of RM120," she said at a press conference following a community leaders' engagement programme at Park Avenue Hotel here today.
Present were Sungai Petani member of parliament Dr Taufiq Johari and Kuala Muda police chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Azharuddin Wan Ismail.
Rak Boon said Perkeso will continue to seek ways to increase the number of i-Suri contributors, including securing sponsorships for the programme.
"We've approached various parties to sponsor i-Suri contributions, including the Sungai Petani parliamentary office, which has approved RM12,000 in sponsorship for 100 housewives in the constituency, covering a year's contributions."
Dr Taufiq encouraged housewives to sign up for i-Suri, emphasising the importance of being insured.
"There have been many cases where housewives, after facing accidents or disasters, were not covered by any social security or insurance scheme.
"With this programme, we provide a platform to raise awareness within the community so that housewives can also benefit from the protections and advantages available to them."