Kota damansara: About 60,000 visitors are expected to attend the "Festival Mega iLINDUNGu" at Strand Mall from Friday to Sunday, offering a platform for the public to access social protection initiatives in a family-friendly setting.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) highlighted that the festival, held from 10 am to 10 pm, will enable the public to obtain information and advice directly. The event features the 'KESUMA Bersama Rakyat' programme, reflecting the Ministry of Human Resources' (KESUMA) commitment to community engagement by addressing public needs and views.

This year's festival is notable for the participation of 11 agencies under KESUMA, including the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Perkeso emphasized that the festival allows visitors to explore employment, skills development, workforce welfare, and community empowerment programmes within the KESUMA ecosystem.

The event will host over 60 food and beverage entrepreneurs from the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (LINDUNG Kendiri), with the first 100 contributors receiving discount coupons. Entertainment includes appearances by celebrities like Kamal Adli and Elly Mazlein, alongside performances by local artistes such as Andi Bernadee and Kristal X across the three days.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan will officiate the opening, which includes the launch of Perkeso's new mascot. Perkeso stressed that the festival aims to raise public awareness about lifelong social protection, offering services like free health screenings, helmet distribution, and benefits advisory.

The programme features a special initiative for over 500 motorcyclists, providing stickers themed around social protection and a chance to win a motorcycle in a lucky draw. Employers can benefit from discounts on Late Contribution Payment Benefit (FCLB), with special counters available for contributors to rejoin the LINDUNG 24 JAM scheme.

Additionally, MYFutureJobs will conduct the LINDUNG Kerjaya Carnival, offering over 2,000 job vacancies and job-matching opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy leisure activities, including zumba competitions, children's fashion contests, and the 'Dapur iLINDUNGu' segment with local celebrities.