Contribute for your own good

I READ with dismay news reports sayin that only 11,000 of the 250,000 taxi and e-hailing drivers nationwide have contributed to Socso since November last year. I am an e-hailing driver myself and I started contributing almost from the start.

I believe the lukewarm response to this well-thought out scheme is typical Malaysian apathy. The monthly contribution is only RM13.10 per month. The paperwork involved in making the

contribution is rather easy. But despite this, Malaysians’ tidak apa (uncaring) attitude is so disappointing. Even the threat of a RM4,000 fine or other penalties if these

drivers still do not contribute to Socso after July 12 this year do

not seem to be enough to knock sense into their heads.

Firstly, it’s not worth being fined RM4,000 when the monthly contribution is less than RM15. The risks far outweighs the small savings. Besides, it’s foolish for drivers to think that they can evade the authorities. Drivers leave digital footprints such as receipts of payment from e-hailing or taxi companies. It would not be difficult for the authorities to track down errant drivers who refuse to contribute.

But more importantly, the Socso contribution offers a crucial safety net to drivers. Contributors are eligible for benefits like the invalidity scheme. They provide contributors and their families a lifeline when a mishap happens.

I speak from experience. A fellow e-hailing driver from our WhatsApp group was a victim last September of a hit-and-run incident after dropping off a passenger. Not only was his vehicle totalled but he also spent three weeks in the ICU, and doctors said he’s unlikely to ever be able to walk again.

In the mean time, his family did not have any income as his wife had passed away some years back. His savings were almost nonexistent. The insurance benefit for him and his three young children did not amount to much. In fact the insurance claim involved a long and tedious process.

Had he been able to claim from Socso, his financial burdens would have been alleviated. This was why I was thrilled when I learned that taxi and e-hailing drivers could contribute to Socso – and be covered by its benefits.

I hope what I’ve shared will spur more drivers to contribute to Socso – for their own sake!

JASON QUAH

Bandar Tun Razak,

Kuala Lumpur