Penang: Part-time Bernama TV cameraman Khalil Ahmad Daud, whose wife succumbed to breast cancer on August 23, has been granted a Survivors' Pension of RM737.50 per month by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Perkeso director Rafidah Abdul Rahim confirmed that Zaridah Maulana, aged 56, was eligible for the pension based on her contribution records, despite having ceased employment in 2006. The Survivors' Pension will provide lifetime support to Khalil, aged 62, and extend to their youngest son, Haqimi Haykal, 20, until he completes his first degree. The pension allocation is structured with a three-fifths share for Khalil and two-fifths for Haqimi, effective from Zaridah's date of death.

Rafidah highlighted the significance of workers contributing to Perkeso, emphasizing that Zaridah's prior contributions ensured continued protection for her dependents, demonstrating the lasting benefits of such contributions. She relayed these remarks during a visit to Khalil's residence in Taman Tun Sardon, where she presented him with the Survivors' Pension and Funeral Management Benefit (FPM).

Perkeso processed the family's complete claim, with the RM3,000 FPM payment credited to Khalil's account on August 28. Rafidah urged workers to verify their registration and contribution status as stipulated by the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4). She also encouraged self-employed individuals to seek protection through the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (LINDUNG Kendiri).

Khalil expressed gratitude for Perkeso's support and their personal visit, acknowledging the unexpected assistance that the Survivors' Pension and Funeral Management Benefit provided during this difficult time. He recounted his wife's decade-long battle with breast cancer, along with diabetes and high blood pressure, which ultimately led to her health's decline.

Zaridah had worked for approximately 15 years as an accounts clerk at a construction company before leaving her job in 2006 to focus on her family. Khalil shared poignant memories of his final interactions with his wife, including feeding her doughnuts and iced barley water before departing for work on the day she passed away.

Their son, Haqimi Haykal, recalled his last conversation with his mother just hours before she died. The family was watching a football match when they realized something was amiss, leading to the discovery that Zaridah had passed away. Haqimi also noted that his mother had sustained a broken leg the previous year, which worsened her immobility, ultimately confining her to bed in the month preceding her death.