THE Village Community Management Council (MPKK) Perai has become the first MPPK in Penang to offer Social Security Organisation (Socso) contributions to all its 15 members.
During the event, state executive councillor for Housing and Environment Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu presented Socso certificates to MPKK Perai members while Usha Devi from Seberang Jaya Socso briefed the members on the benefits and claims of the Social Security Protection Scheme (SPS) recently.
This scheme offers MPKK Perai members essential financial security by covering them against unexpected situations, including sickness, accidents, and disabilities.
Furthermore, it provides financial assistance for lost wages, medical bills, and rehabilitation expenses in the event of an accident or disability.
During his address, Sundarajoo emphasised the importance of disseminating information on the Socso SPS scheme. He encouraged MPKK Perai to collaborate with Socso in organising large-scale roadshows so that all members know the scheme’s advantages.
With this safety net in place, providing peace of mind, MPKK Perai members can concentrate on their responsibilities without unnecessary worry about possible risks.
MPKK Perai chairman S. Sri Sangar expressed his hope that Socso coverage could be expanded to a broader community, including Perai’s four other MPKKs, one Penang Youth Committee (Jawatakuasa Belia Pulau Pinang) and one Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK).
“The annual premium per member per year is RM233.30. With the government providing a 90% subsidy, each member thus pays only RM23.30 per year, ensuring that financial assistance is within reach for those in need,” Sri Sangar elaborated.
In a generous gesture, Sri Sangar personally covered the total premium of RM349.50 for all the MPKK Perai members, with the policy taking effect from April 1st of this year.
In the unfortunate event of a member’s passing, the beneficiary, if he or she is an adult, will receive RM1,395 monthly until the beneficiary’s demise. However, if the beneficiary is a minor (under 18 years old), the beneficiary will receive RM1,395 monthly until he or she reaches the age of 18.
Pooja Samarasi, 45, a member of MPKK Perai for two years, is one of the participants in the Socso’s Security Protection Scheme. She expressed her appreciation for the scheme.
“Thank you to our chairman Sri Sangar for this initiative; it has helped MPKK a lot. By doing this, I can at least lessen the burden on my family if I have an accident at work in the future,” said Pooja when interviewed by Buletin Mutiara.
MPKK Perai secretary, K. Ragonathan, 74, also approved of the change and understood how crucial it was to give local leaders financial stability.
“Having worked with MPKK Perai for some time, I’m relieved to hear that this (Socso) will be implemented. Safety is the first thing that needs to be considered wherever we work,” he said.
Overall, the launch of Socso SPS service for MPKK Perai members in Penang marks a significant milestone in enhancing their security and welfare, ensuring they can continue serving their communities with confidence.
Story and pix by Nurul Hawa Farahin Hameddy