It’s up to the ministry to implement scheme

THE Social Security Organisation (Socso) wishes to thank Wong Soo Kan for his comments in the letter “Extra coverage requires more funding” (The Star, April 14; online at bit.ly/star_cover).

We appreciate Wong’s views on the No-Fault Accident Scheme suggested by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) in an earlier letter (“Expedite implementation of protection scheme”, The Star, April 11; online at bit.ly/star_scheme) and his concerns about the scheme’s financial viability.

Firstly, Socso understands MTUC president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani’s proposal stems from his concern for workers’ welfare and wellbeing.

As a social security organisation, Socso aspires to provide a comprehensive social safety net for the rakyat, so that no one is left behind. Currently, coverage for workers against accidents is provided under the Employment Injury Scheme, Employees’ Social Security Act 1969. However, the scheme only covers occupational diseases and accidents or deaths related to employment, including commuting accidents. That is why more than 30,000 claims for accident cases since 2011 were rejected because they were not related to employment.

The No-Fault Accident Scheme can provide wider social security coverage for workers against accidents that happen outside of work and are not related to their employment.

Therefore, we welcome the MTUC’s proposal to extend protection to non-employment-related accidents to close the gap in Socso’s social security coverage.

Socso also acknowledges Wong’s opinion that there is a need for greater financial resources to implement the proposed scheme and value his suggestion that the employee contribution rate be increased.

As an agency under the Human Resources Ministry, Socso stands by the ministry’s decision on such a policy. We at Socso are ready to work with the ministry should it decide to implement such a scheme.

ROSHAIMI MAT ROSELY

Chief communications and corporate affairs officer

Social Security Organisation (Socso)