The Social Synergy Programme is a platform that combines varying levels of social protection into a comprehensive one-stop centre, says Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz.
ACCORDING to the mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan, there are almost 110 social assistance programmes administered under 20 different ministries and agencies in Malaysia.
There are also social and welfare-based institutions at the state and local government level.
The presence of multiple agencies hinders the overall effectiveness of the programmes – causing exclusion errors and fragmented delivery services to the beneficiaries.
The structural challenge prompts an important question to PERKESO: Is there an approach to coordinate an end-to end mechanism to deliver aid in Malaysia?
Much earlier in 2014, PERKESO was motivated to address the challenge that many vulnerable workers in Malaysia apply for PERKESO benefits but do not qualify due to coverage restrictions for informal work, qualifying contribution periods, and many others.
But we also discover that these same vulnerable workers are eligible for other government assistance such as those from the Welfare Department, zakat institutions, etc.
Vice versa, there are also many workers and family members who are eligible for PERKESO benefits but are not aware of their rights and protection.
Drawing inspiration from models in developed nations like Australia, Canada, and Estonia, PERKESO developed the Social Synergy Programme – a platform combining varying levels of social protection such as social assistance, social insurance and labour market intervention into a comprehensive one-stop centre.
The platform connects various social security practitioners on an app and channels social security cases from one agency to another, ensuring that vulnerable people are assisted and protected.
A recipient of PERKESO benefits. Many vulnerable workers in Malaysia apply for PERKESO benefits but do not qualify due to coverage restrictions for informal work, qualifying contribution periods, and many others.
Holding to the “no wrong door” policy, the programme’s growing network of 1,100 coordinators from 395 institutions – such as federal agencies, community leaders and private institutions – ensures that when a person comes forward for help, they will not leave empty-handed.
Via the Social Synergy Programme, more than 10,500 prospects have successfully received some sort of assistance based on their needs, which helped to improve their livelihood.
PERKESO’s strategy extends beyond digitalising our services. We recognise the importance of humanising our social support by tracking down potential cases and delivering assistance.
Enter the Squad PERKESO Prihatin – a dedicated team to monitor various information channels such as print, electronic and social media, and connect vulnerable individuals to available assistance under PERKESO.
The strategy transforms PERKESO’s traditional mindset to go beyond the claim counters and venture “on site” to deliver aid directly.
Today, we promote successful Squad Prihatin and Social Synergy cases on social media to amplify the awareness of social protection in Malaysia.
Amidst the challenging landscape of our social protection system, it is also encouraging to observe a dedicated exploration of potential reforms aimed at building greater cohesion.
Recently, the Malaysian Social Protection Council (MYSPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fortify PERKESO’s Social Synergy Programme by incorporating the programme within district and local government focus groups to coordinate social protection services at the grassroots level.
As we look towards the future, we acknowledge the role digital applications play in making our services more accessible to the masses.
The PERKESO Prihatin app is the final piece of equation of our operational transformation that functions as the 55th PERKESO office – enabling PERKESO services to be facilitated through an app.
Currently, the Prihatin app serves as a central hub for PERKESO information, providing access to contribution statements and protection rights for the formal workers and registered self-employed.
With considerations on data security and governance, PERKESO has upcoming plans to seamlessly integrate diverse financial and social welfare services into the Prihatin app, which will transform it into a “super app” for social protection.
Complementing our efforts to transform PERKESO’s operations, the launch of the Program Perkongsian Data (PADU) this month potentially can add another layer to our quest for social cohesion.
By tapping into PADU’s extensive information reservoir, the Social Synergy programme can match individuals and households to appropriate social services, resources, and interventions effectively, using existing process flows and operational framework.
The PADU and Social Synergy Programme integration would streamline and optimise social protection, ensuring that no one gets left behind.
Dr MOHAMMED AZMAN AZIZ
Group Chief Executive Officer
PERKESO
