PAYOUTS under the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (Skim Lindung Kendiri) amounted to RM31.26mil as of Dec 31 last year, says Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
This covered 7,693 contributors, he said.
Ramanan said there were 869,913 contributors under the scheme, out of which 299,674 comprised gig sector workers including e-hailing riders.
The scheme, he said, provides for medical benefits, disability benefits, and rehabilitation facilities, among others.
“If death occurs when the person is on the job, the next of kin will receive a funeral benefit of RM3,000 alongside a dependent’s benefit,” he said when winding up debates on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address.
Ramanan shared the case of the next-of-kin of an e-hailing driver who died in the Elmina crash in 2023, saying that they continued to receive a sum of almost RM2,000 monthly, as the person had contributed to the Lindung Kendiri scheme.
He also voiced the government’s commitment to ensure developments towards the digital economy would not overlook the wellbeing of workers and their families.
“We always hold fast to the principle of leaving no one behind, ensuring it continues to be the foundation of labour and social protection policies,” he said.
On haemodialysis treatment at PERKESO dialysis centres, Ramanan said 19,355 insured persons have received treatment at 831 panel centres nationwide, with costs amounting to RM424.96mil.
He explained that treatment is free for eligible PERKESO contributors, specifically insured persons with end stage renal failure, noting that PERKESO pays about RM170 for each individual.
“PERKESO does not set conditions of any pre-existing illness to ensure the contributor is eligible to undergo dialysis at its centres, as compared to private insurance providers,” he said.
