Prihatin Squad ever ready to help in times of need

PETALING JAYA: Tragedy comes unannounced, and for Social Security Organisa­tion’s (Socso) contributors, the Prihatin Squad will be on hand to assist contributors or their dependants in times of need.

The brainchild of Socso chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed (pic), Skuad Perkeso Prihatin or Socso Prihatin Squad is a dedicated team within Socso to help contributors or their dependants with their claims.

The Prihatin Squad was officially launched by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem in October last year.

Socso general manager (benefit and operation section) Ismail Abi Hashim said that there were cases where contributors or their dependants were unaware of their eligibility for claims or benefits under Socso.

“If a contributor meets with an accident and is eligible for claims under Socso, Skuad Perkeso Prihatin will try to ease the person’s burden by helping the person to get the payment without him having to fill up forms,” said Ismail.

He said the Prihatin Squad would also try to speed up the process, especially when it involved death to ensure that the dependants of contributors were not left in the lurch.

To live up to its name – Prihatin, which means caring – Ismail said the Prihatin Squad made the most of newspapers and social media to help contributors and their dependants.

“For example, our team will take proactive steps to scan the news to see whether there are any accidents and then identify the victims to see whether they are Socso contributors,” he said, adding that if the victims were eligible for Socso claims, the Prihatin Squad would contact them or their dependants.

He said that this was carried out in every state in the country, as there were personnel of Prihatin Squad in every Socso branch throughout the country. He said the Prihatin Squad also received tip-offs from the public.

“Sometimes, community leaders would tell Skuad Perkeso Prihatin about cases that we can help,” he added.

Those who have information of accidents involving workers or queries can contact Socso at 1-300-22-8000.