Socso aims to provide 24hr injury coverage, 9m M'sian workers to benefit

Nearly nine million Malaysian workers could enjoy 24-hour Social Security Organisation (Socso) coverage by the middle of next year.

According to Socso deputy chief executive officer of strategy and corporate Edmund Cheong, there are efforts to expand the Employment Injury Scheme to all hours of the day.

“The government wants to amend the Employees’ Social Security Act to provide 24-hour coverage,” he told the New Straits Times.

After the amendment of the act, Socso will provide coverage for all accidents, even those that are not work-related and occur outside of work hours, he said.

This would also cover Malaysian workers who become injured on work trips overseas, he added.

“We will be one of the first few countries in the world to offer workers 24-hour protection," he said.

He said the increased coverage will see workers’ monthly contributions increased to a sum that the government has yet to finalise.

Socso intends to expand its coverage to gig workers as well, but the Gig Workers Bill must be passed first, he said.

Hindrance to claiming

Socso sees many workers who wish to claim benefits from injuries outside of work hours, but it is unable to help as the law does not allow it, he explained.

“More than 95 percent of companies in the country are micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and they may not be able to afford insurance benefits for their workers,” he added.

He explained that Socso provides lump sum payments as well as income replacement, unlike private insurance schemes.

“So, if you lose your leg at work, Socso will compensate you for 90 percent of your average last drawn salary for the rest of your life.

“Now you only have that coverage if you lose your leg in the course of your work. Once we have 24-hour protection you will always be covered, even if you are injured at home,” he said.

This also applies to death benefits as Socso will pay a contributor’s dependents 90 percent of the average salary for the rest of their lives.

The contributor’s children will be paid the same up until they reach the age of 21.

So far, Socso has held engagement sessions with stakeholders such as employer and employee groups, Cheong added.

New gig worker law to ensure their welfare - Zahid

Freelance media practitioners welcome Socso support

Senate passes two Human Resources Ministry bills

Ex-MTUC chief: Don’t expect workers to be productive if they’re hungry

Govt moves to increase workforce participation among women

Housewife social security scheme to be implemented tomorrow

Socso enforces new salary ceiling limit for contributions from Sept 1