Deputy Human Resources Minister Mustapha Sakmud stated that it is essential to improve Malaysia’s Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) Act 2017 with an emphasis on expanding coverage of unforeseen situations for self-employed individuals.
In accordance with the Employees’ Social Security Act of 1969, the Employment Insurance System Act of 2017, and other pertinent laws, the Social Security Organisation (Socso) is investigating the issue.
“At the end of November, there were 793,116 self-employed people actively participating in the SKSPS, and 4,334 claims totaling RM 24.69 million (US $5.27 million) were approved,” Mustapha stated in response to questions in the Dewan Rakyat, the lower house of Malaysia’s bicameral Parliament. On the other hand, as of November 5, the Housewife Social Security Scheme (SKSSR) had 197,893 contributions and 322 claims totaling RM 849,081 (US $18,1292.38).
In addition, the deputy minister said this in response to queries issued by Datuk Awang Solahuddin bin Hashim of Pendang, and Khoo Poay Tiong of Kota Melaka, both Members of Parliament (MP) in Malaysia. Furthermore, both MPs were asking on the achievements of the SKSPS and SKSSR programmes, and the latest approaches taken to increase the number of contributors.
Deputy Minister Mustapha also concluded that the ministry is also actively working to raise awareness about the importance of welfare protection among the self-employed, especially those in the gig industry, reported Free Malaysia Today.
