Thousands of Malaysians benefit from Socso's RTW programme

Back at work: Thanks to Socso, Haffiz now embraces his new lease on life as a management assistant.

PETALING JAYA: Kaliyani Krish­nan, 49, received a series of hard knocks from life.

Six years after her husband died in a road accident, she was diagnosed with advanced renal failure. With three children, Kaliyani had no choice but to continue to work as an assistant nurse despite dizziness, nausea, swollen limbs and fatigue.

The series of unfortunate events continued when her employers pushed her to apply for invalidity pension, but it was rejected. Only when her condition deteriorated did she receive the monthly stipend – which was not enough to feed and clothe three children.

However, thanks to the Social Security Organisation (Socso)’s return to work (RTW) programme, she received vocational training in sewing free of charge.

Her Socso case manager even managed to ensure her classes were tailored to suit her dialysis schedule.

Now she works as a seamstress, renting a single storey house from which she works with a growing customer base, thanks to Socso’s RTW programme.

Kaliyani isn’t the only RTW success story.

Haffiz Zamri, 27, was a toll teller – until 2012 when he fell victim to a snatch thief. Three gunmen rammed into the motorcycle Haffiz and his colleague were riding to the PLUS office, making off with the day’s toll collection.

A slug from the pump gun, however, had damaged Haffiz’s leg so severely that it needed to be amputated.

However, his Socso RTW case manager quickly ensured he had access to physical treatment – including a prosthesis – and counselling for his post-traumatic stress. Soon, Haffiz was back at work, this time at a different toll station as a management assistant, a role which included administrative tasks.

Now, Haffiz leads a confident life and has even represented Negri Sembilan in archery in the Paralimpiad sporting event.

The Socso RTW programme has helped thousands of Malaysians since its inception in 2007, with nearly 8,000 positive results so far.

The regional RTW conference will be held at Putra World Trade Centre tomorrow and over a thousand Malaysians and international participants are expected to attend.

Those interested in attending can read more at www.rtwmalaysia.com.