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KUALA LUMPUR: The government should impose further Social Security Organisation (Socso) contribution on employers who neglect their employees’ welfare at work.
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Abdul Halim Mansor said by doing so, companies would be more committed in taking better care of their employees.
“The penalty will be given to the companies who may be negligent and fail to provide the maximum protection and safety precautions.
Halim was responding to Socso’s announcement on Wednesday to increase its payment rates under the Employment Injury Scheme and Invalidity Scheme.
“This is a really good initiative from the organisation as it goes to show that Socso understands the needs of pensioners especially with the rise in cost of living.
“However, this move should be supported fully by all parties, especially the employers,” he said.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot announced yesterday that 328,056 Socso beneficiaries will receive an increase of up to 10 per cent in payouts to help alleviate the rising cost of living.
Pensioners will receive a different rate per year; 2011 and earlier (10.4 per cent), 2011 (8.3 per cent), 2012 (6.6 per cent), 2013 (4.4 per cent) and after 2014 (1.2 per cent).
A beneficiary, 47-year-old Sarasuady Perumal, said she is grateful but believe that the increment was long overdue.
“As a mother of five, there is a lot on my plate and the money I currently receive isn’t enough to cover my children’s daily expenses,” she said.
Lee Lee Pheng, 61, is barely surviving with only RM 340 per month from Socso in the last five years.
“I am so happy with this news as everything has gotten too expensive for me.
“With the current cost of living, you can imagine how hard it has been for me,” she said, adding that she hoped the process of increasing the payouts will be smooth.
Hawiyah Bari, 58, said that the increase of payouts will help more than covering her daily cost of living.
“My son who is studying at a public university is struggling due to lack of funds.
“Hopefully I can give him some pocket money so he can live comfortably and focus on his studies,” she said.
As Hawiyah has been receiving the benefits since 2010, she is eligible to receive more than 8.3 per cent increase in payouts beginning Dec 26 this year.
Payment of arrears will be made from Dec 26 to former contributors who are getting payments from pension schemes under Socso or schemes for their dependents, from before 2015.
The adjustment rates are in line with the 10th Actuarial Studies report and the first since 2012
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