SEREMBAN: Only about 20% of the 300,000 taxi, hired car, e-hailing and bus drivers have signed up for the social security scheme for the self-employed (SKSPS), according to the Social Security Organisation (Socso).
Describing this as a serious matter, Socso CEO Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said today that a large-scale operation would be launched to trace the remaining drivers who had yet to join the scheme.
“Our aim is to ensure they (drivers) are protected,” he said to the media after Perkeso’s 2019 programme for community leaders which was attended by Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun here.
The Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017, which took effect on June 1, 2017, stipulates that the scheme is compulsory for such drivers who are undertaking full-time or part-time work, with those failing to take up the scheme being liable to a maximum fine of RM10,000 or maximum imprisonment of two years or both.
On another matter, Mohammed Azman said until Aug 23, a total of RM1.6 million had been paid out under the Employment Insurance System to 669 workers (out of a total of 756 applicants) who had lost their jobs, while a total of RM31.7 million was paid out to insured workers and their dependants last year, as a result of 5,869 cases recorded under the Employment Injury Scheme and 1,900 cases under the Invalidity Scheme, at two Socos offices alone, in Seremban and Kuala Pilah.
Aminuddin in turn, had announced in his speech that the Skuad Perkeso Prihatin (Socso Caring Squad), established in September 2015, had provided charitable assistance to 121 workers in the state last year. - Bernama
