KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry and Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) aim to attract 500,000 contributions to the Housewife Social Security Scheme (SKSSR) by the end of this year.
Its chairman Kasthuri Patto announced that the organisation would conduct roadshows and engage employers nationwide to raise awareness about SKSSR sponsorship and registration procedures for women workers and housewives, especially those in the B40 and M40 categories.
"This implementation is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yayasan Kebajikan Negara Malaysia (YKNM) signed on March 14, which provides for income tax exemption in accordance with Section 44(6) of the Income Tax Act 1967.
"This step is taken to provide financial support to female workers and full-time housewives from the low-income group," she added.
The Housewives Social Security act (Act 838) aims to provide disability benefits and protection to housewives from domestic disasters. Those below 55, single mothers and even working women are eligible to enrol with a contribution of RM120 per year.
She said when SKSSR was introduced in December 2022, there was low enrolment because many people thought it was a scam.
"Advertising this scheme through social media like Whatsapp can be suspicious, especially when it is about depositing money.
"By doing this roadshow, we hope that big companies can step up and encourage their women workers to register," she said at a press conference here today (May 3).
Present was SKSSR sinergi division head Rohana Mohamad.
Rohana said SKSSR was an opportunity for big companies to enjoy tax exemption through their workers' contributions.
Seven roadshows with employers had been planned by the SKSSR committee from this month May to July at Wisma Perkeso Kuala Lumpur, which would involve employers from banking, retail, manufacturing, automotive, communication and hospitality sectors.
A total of 10 private companies had sponsored SKSSR contributions amounting to RM558,360, which benefited 4,864 women from the B40 income group.
"I hope more company employers will come forward to participate in the Madani government's noble efforts to provide a safety net for women in the country," she added.
