SUNGAI BULOH: Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) payouts rose to RM6.65bil last year, reaching more than 1.15 million beneficiaries nationwide, said Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
The Human Resources Minister said the payouts last year increased by almost 10% compared to 2024 (RM6.1bil).
“More importantly, we are seeing an increase in the number of contributors. The Gig Workers Act is also set to be enforced in March, providing a greater safety net for all,” he said at the KESUMA PERKESO Lindung Chinese New Year 2026 celebrations here yesterday.
Ramanan also noted other policy reforms that are set to be implemented this year.
This includes a round-the-clock social security initiative known as Lindung 24 Jam by PERKESO as well as the Traveller Scheme under the Lindung Kendiri initiative.
Lindung 24 Jam is an expansion of PERKESO’s Employment Injury Scheme to protect employees against work-related accidents or occupational diseases.
PERKESO, he said, has also been instructed to carry out a feasibility study in regards to protection under the formal and informal sector.
“It aligns with the government’s ambition to ensure continuity in contributions alongside protection in the workplace, regardless of job sectors.
“We want to ensure the Lindung Pekerja and Lindung Kendiri schemes truly have the same value.
“This is the true meaning of social justice through the Madani principles,” he said.
Ramanan further expressed the ministry and PERKESO’s commitment to proactively improve the welfare of workers, including the 3.26 million informal sector workers and 1.2 million gig workers who continue to drive the country’s economy.
In light of the coming Chinese New Year celebrations, Ramanan also urged Malaysians to stay safe on the roads.
“While it’s the Year of the Horse, we should not race like horses. Be careful and drive safe during your travels,” he said.
In his speech, PERKESO chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal urged for the rakyat to take heed of the benefits provided for contributors.
Among those he highlighted was the Lindung Kasih scheme.
This scheme provides social security protection to housewives against domestic injury and invalidity while managing the household.
“It only costs RM120 annually but contributors will always stand to benefit,” he said.
On the celebration, Subahan said it reflected the true prosperous nature of Malaysia, noting how Malays, Chinese and Indians all joined the festivities.
“We are such a diverse group and when we are needed to unite, we do so,” he said.
At the same event, some RM318,042.84 worth of PERKESO benefits were channelled to 15 contributors and their next-of-kin.
The payouts were under the Lindung Pekerja, Lindung Kerjaya, Lindung Kendiri and Lindung Kasih schemes.
PERKESO group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, who was also present, said beneficiaries included those who lost their jobs, with allowances also given for those seeking jobs.
“Those involved in accidents will also receive compensation and once they have completed their sick leave, they will also receive another compensation payout,” he said.
Some 100 orphans were also given ang pow while 40 widows and widowers received hampers.
10 non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies based in Sungai Buloh also received RM10,000 each in efforts to assist their operations.
A total of 3,500 aid baskets were also channelled to families from the lower income group here.
Also present were Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Ministry secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof and deputy secretary-general (policy and international) Dr Mohd Shaharin Umar.
