Penang: Beginning this year, all Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributors need no longer pay for medical treatment at panel clinics for work-related accidents and occupational diseases, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong. He added that there are 1,400 Perkeso panel clinics nationwide, with 129 of them in Penang.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, contributors can now walk into any of the 1,400 Perkeso panel clinics in Malaysia and receive free medical treatment without having to pay upfront. Previously, contributors had to pay between RM150 and RM200 for each treatment and subsequently claim reimbursement from Perkeso. The new initiative allows members to receive treatment by simply showing their identification card, confirming their Perkeso membership, without incurring any costs.

Sim explained that the initiative aims to facilitate easier access to medical treatment for workers, particularly low-income earners. Last year, Perkeso recorded claims amounting to RM8 million, involving 20,000 visits to the panel clinics.

On Tuesday, Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad reported that 66,574 work-related accident cases were recorded nationwide throughout 2024, marking a 2.4 percent decrease compared to 68,220 cases in 2023.

During the Chinese New Year celebration, Sim also distributed various Perkeso benefit claims to 10 recipients, totaling RM145,972.86. The benefits included the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SKSPS), Housewives’ Social Security Scheme (SKSSR), Employment Insurance System (SIP), Permanent Disability (HUK), Temporary Disability (HUS), and Survivors’ Pension.