KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has disbursed benefits totalling RM4.23mil to 3,426 housewives since 2022.
PERKESO Housewives' Social Security Committee chairman Kasthuri Patto (pic) said this aligns with the agency's registration of 514,105 housewives last year, surpassing the target set by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim by over 100%.
She said that of the total, 88% or 452,781 women were receiving eKasih assistance, while 9% or 43,901 women contributed voluntarily and the remaining 3% or 17,423 women were sponsored by 103 agencies.
"With this protection, housewives who previously lacked financial safety now receive improved support in handling emergencies such as accidents, loss of income due to injuries, or serious illnesses.
"The success of this programme demonstrates the importance of continuous support from the government, the corporate sector, and society in strengthening the country's social protection system," she said in a statement on Tuesday (March 11).
Despite this, Kasthuri said many housewives have yet to register through family members or workplaces where they are employed.
She pointed out that under Section 44(6) of the Income Tax Act 1967, companies that voluntarily sponsor contributions for housewives are eligible for tax reliefs.
As of December, out of the 103 sponsoring agencies, 14 have received tax reliefs totalling RM587,040, covering insurance sponsorship for 4,892 women.
"The tax relief not only reduces the financial burden on companies but also serves as an incentive for more corporate entities to participate in this effort, which undoubtedly benefits women,” she added. – Bernama
