KUALA LUMPUR: More than half a million housewives have registered for the Housewives’ Social Security Scheme (SKSSR) this year, contributing a significant RM61.5 million, marking a milestone achievement for the initiative.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kasthuri Patto, the chairman of the Social Security Committee for Housewives at the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), announced that the number of registered contributors, totaling 512,518, has met the targets set by Perkeso and the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) for the year. As of November, Perkeso has approved 2,019 claim cases, disbursing benefits worth RM3.9 million to the housewives, underscoring the scheme’s role in enhancing their social welfare.
The SKSSR has successfully processed claims related to domestic accidents, which involve incidents encountered during household duties and caregiving, as well as claims for disability and death. Selangor recorded the highest voluntary registrations, with 13,546 contributors, while Sabah led in state government-initiated registrations with 88,034 contributors.
Despite this progress, Kasthuri highlighted that the registered housewives represent only 16.5 percent of the total eligible population, leaving over 2.6 million housewives without coverage. The government offers flexible payment options, including contributions by husbands, housewives, family members, or third parties. A new initiative, the ‘scratch card’ worth RM120, can be gifted to housewives or presented as a wedding gift, aiming to boost enrollment.
Ten companies have also stepped forward, sponsoring contributions amounting to RM558,360 for women in the B40 group who cannot afford the contributions. This initiative is part of a Memorandum of Understanding between Perkeso and the National Welfare Foundation (YKN). Additionally, the MADANI government has introduced tax exemptions under Section 44(6) of the Income Tax Act 1967 for companies contributing to the scheme for female workers from the B40 group. Private companies are encouraged to take advantage of this tax exemption as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts.