BUTTERWORTH: Only 200,000 of the total three million housewives have contributed to the Housewives' Social Security Scheme (SKSSR), the Human Resources Ministry said.
The number is still low and needs a more comprehensive strategy and planning to encourage more housewives to contribute for their own benefit.
Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said he would announce the steps and strategy soon.
"We have gone 'all out' to ensure more housewives contribute to this scheme.
"So far, only about 200,000 housewives have contributed, which if we look at the statistics from the Department of Statistics, there are three million housewives in this country.
"This scheme, launched in December 2022, is considered new and many may not be aware about it," he said today.
He was met in his inaugural visit to Wisma Perkeso Penang in Seberang Jaya here as the Human Resources Minister.
Also present was Perkeso chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
Elaborating, Sim said SKSSR was not only for full-time housewives but working women could also contribute subject to certain conditions, and they must not be over 55 years of age.
"Actually, this scheme is open to all women regardless of whether they are full-time housewives or unmarried women and women who do not work but have other tasks (economic care).
"They can contribute to this scheme with a payment of RM120 per year, which is only RM10 per month.
"Husbands who are interested in contributing to this scheme for their wives, can get more information on the website or visit the nearest Perkeso office," he added.
Meanwhile, asked whether the scheme would be extended to men, who are househusband, he said the matter was not under the act yet but could be considered.
"There is no scheme (for men) yet but we are considering it for the future.
"At this time, the need is more urgent for women," he said.