Kuala lumpur: The soon-to-be launched Non-Employment Injury Scheme (SKBBK) is set to alleviate the financial strain on workers and their families while simultaneously easing the pressure on the nation’s healthcare system, Human Resource Minister Steven Sim announced in the Dewan Rakyat today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sim highlighted that statistics from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) revealed that over 538,000 employment injury claim applications were received between 2018 and August 31 this year, with nearly 27,000 of these claims being rejected. He noted that 87 percent of the rejected claims were dismissed because they were not classified as work-related accidents, disqualifying the insured individuals and their dependents from receiving benefits.
Sim expressed concern over the financial impact on workers and the additional strain on the public healthcare system. He referenced a recent audit report indicating that outstanding medical bills had reached RM360 million as of December 31, 2024. He was addressing a query from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) regarding the government’s plans to extend 24-hour social security protection to all workers, including those in shift, part-time, and gig roles.
The SKBBK, which will be implemented under PERKESO, aims to provide 24-hour protection to eligible workers during their employment, covering accidents occurring outside work that are not directly job-related. Sim emphasized that with the SKBBK’s implementation, PERKESO would cover the medical expenses of contributors involved in non-work-related accidents.
In discussing the Gig Workers Bill, Sim stated that the government aims to enhance protection for gig workers, who previously received coverage only after making contributions. The bill proposes that protection be offered immediately upon a gig worker’s registration, with PERKESO providing full coverage even before any contributions are made.
Sim was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) on the extent of protection for gig economy workers under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017, which currently only covers them when they are actively contributing.