KUALA LUMPUR: Benefits under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) are helping Edna Hipolito Amos, 58, to alleviate her family's burden after after her lorry driver husband was killed in a car accident on Feb 27.
The widow is now taking care of the couple's four children.
Her late husband, Lee Eng Dong, 61, was killed in a crash at Km266.5 on the North-South Expressway while he travelling south after passing the Menora Tunnel.
Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar, who presented the Perkeso benefits to Edna today, said such schemes were vital for Perkeso contributors, including for those who are beyond the age of 60.
"'The Squad Perkeso Prihatin is responsible to inspect and identify employees who are affected by disability or death and they provide further assistance to the community.
"Many (employers) are hesitant to contribute, and there is a lack exposure about this. But if such a tragedy occurs, this (benefit) will help the contributors.
"This is the third time that Perkeso carried out a handing over of benefits for contributors to the next-of-kin," Sivakumar said while emphasising that it was an initiative from Perkeso.
Lee's next-of- kin will receive benefits of RM3,795 per month as well as RM2,000 for the management of the deceased through the Employment Injury Scheme and the Invalidity Scheme under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4).
These benefits also include a lifetime payment of RM2,200 to Edna and RM1,500 to their youngest child, Lee Zi Young, 19, which he will receive when he turns 21 or until he completes his first degree.
Meanwhile, Lee's employer, Cherng Yuan Hwa, said the squad had quickly got in touch with him to let him know about the benefits, less than 12 hours after the accident occurred.
"I am very impressed with the Perkeso squad and I also encourage every employer to make a contribution to their employees."
Sivakumar, who is Batu Gajah member of parliament, hopes the benefit will ease Edna's burden as she was now the breadwinner of the family.
"Of the 70,948 occupational accidents reported to Perkeso, 45.7 per cent (32,440 cases) involved road accidents as of last year.
"During that period, 70 per cent (651 cases) of the 929 fatal accidents involved workers travelling or commuting to work.
"I hope all workers will always be extra careful while on the road," said Sivakumar.
Lee, who had sustained significant brain haemorrhage, was brought unconscious to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) on Feb 15 prior to his death.
