Ipoh: The Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) has urged part-time media practitioners to contribute to the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS), which offers 24-hour protection while they carry out their duties. Perkeso Strategic Communications, Branding and Editorial Branch chief Tengku Datuk Khalidah Tengku Bidin emphasized the importance of this scheme for media practitioners who are frequently exposed to various risks.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Khalidah stated that contributions to the SKSPS scheme are vital as Perkeso assists group members in need almost every week. She highlighted that the scheme is suitable for media practitioners due to their work nature, which often involves being outside the office and on the move, thereby exposing them to higher security risks.

Tengku Khalidah made these remarks after presenting contributions under the Ziarah Kasih Perkeso initiative to Bernama stringer Razif Rosli, who is suffering from a right knee meniscus injury and kidney complications, at his home. Contributions were also handed over to The China Press photographer Wong Jin Sum, who suffered a mild stroke, and Malaysian Nanban journalist S. Balakrishnan, who is battling diabetes and high blood pressure, at their homes in Ipoh.

The scheme provides compensation to contributors who become permanently disabled and offers financial benefits to their next of kin in the event of their death. Tengku Khalidah noted that the scheme is open to all media personnel regardless of age, including those who have surpassed the retirement age of 60 years.

Meanwhile, Razif Rosli expressed gratitude for the contribution from Perkeso, which he plans to use to purchase medical equipment for his ongoing illness since 2021. As a father of two, he shared that his condition has been gradually improving but still requires regular medical treatment. He expressed appreciation for the financial aid, food boxes, and other assistance, which have provided him with greater encouragement and hope for recovery.