MELAKA: All self-employed drivers are encouraged to register for the Self Employment Injury Scheme, under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO).
Socso chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said all drivers, including cabbies, Grabcar and Uber drivers are advised to sign up for the scheme as it will act as a social safety net, not only for themselves but for their families as well.
"Currently we have 576 registered and actively paid drivers throughout Malaysia and we want to increase that number.
"This scheme was enforced on June 1 this year," he said after a check presentation ceremony for self-employment injury scheme recipients in Melaka Central earlier today.
He said that if encouragement proves ineffective, SOCSO will track down unregistered drivers soon.
"Since there is a lot competition for drivers these days, I can understand their difficulties.
"However, they would only have to pay yearly, with a minimum of RM 157.20,"he said.
A 65-year-old local taxi driver, Ali Ibrahim, who suffered an accident early this month, received RM960 under the scheme.
"I am happy that I registered for this scheme as it is a life saver for my family and I.
"I really hope this can be an eye opener to other drivers out there to immediately sign up for this scheme because it can serve as a helping hand in the future,"said Ali.
Azman said SOCSO has plans to offer the scheme to all self-employed workers in the future. Discussions, he said, are taking place with the government on this matter.
"We have eight benefits offered under this scheme which include medical benefits, permanent disability benefits, educational benefits and so on.
"As long you are a driver, there will always be a risk of accidents, so I encourage them to register now," he said.
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Keywords: Self Employment Injury Scheme, Social Security Organisation, SOCSO, self-employed drivers, injury coverage, Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed
