Kuala Lumpur: The extension of the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), along with contributions to the i-Saraan scheme by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), for part-time media practitioners reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring no group is left behind in accessing social protection.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, part-time Utusan Malaysia journalist Muhamad Iqbal Hamdan, who is also a committee member of the Penang Mutiara Media Club, said the initiative reflected the government’s appreciation for the contributions of part-time journalists who were frequently exposed to risks while covering assignments. Muhamad Iqbal expressed hope that such initiatives would continue in the future to benefit new part-time journalists.
Perak Media Practitioners Association (PPMP) chairman Sayed Hesham Syed Idris commented that the move provided confidence and assurance to part-time media practitioners in the field. He noted that many part-time journalists are not permanent employees and lack retirement savings, highlighting the importance of the government’s initiative in listening to the voices of media practitioners.
Kedah Elite Media Club (KMEK) president M. Hifzudin Ikhsan acknowledged the extension of Perkeso protection for another year as significant for the club’s members. He emphasized that the contribution ensures the safety and protection rights of part-time journalists.
Terengganu Media Journalists’ Club (KAWAT) president Ahmad Syafri Husnaini Mohamad shared similar views, stating that the extension helps ease the burden of part-time staff without a fixed income. He expressed hope for the continuation of the initiative to protect journalists and their families.
Pahang Media Practitioners Association (Pahang Press) secretary Mohd Zalani Atan highlighted that the i-Saraan scheme allows part-time journalists to plan for retirement in a more organized manner. He believes this initiative will make media practitioners more aware of the importance of long-term planning.
Melaka Media Practitioners Club (Pendika) president Amir Mamat said the initiative could alleviate the burden on part-time journalists post-career, especially in terms of saving for old age.
Part-time journalist in Perlis, Mohd Aizat Sharif Fisalluddin, 41, noted that the EPF i-Saraan initiative offers part-time media practitioners retirement savings similar to permanent employees, providing them hope and stability.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced an allocation of RM53,100 for the initiatives during the HAWANA 2025 celebration. Of the total, RM37,170 is for the extension of SKSPS coverage, benefiting 531 part-time media practitioners for one year, while RM15,930 is for i-Saraan EPF contributions.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Perkeso. Benefits under SKSPS include medical treatment, disablement benefits, dependants’ benefits, funeral management assistance, and a constant attendance allowance, while i-Saraan provides retirement protection.
The event, themed ‘Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics’, was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by approximately 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad.