By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, Oct 11 — As many as 116,782 people have been contributing to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) via the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SESSS) from January to August.
Selangor Socso director Ismail Abi Hashim said the number involves a contribution value of RM8.86 million.
“Based on Socso statistics, there was an increase in the percentage of contributors to the SESSS since 2017.
“This shows an improved level of awareness in the community about (the scheme’s) importance,” he told Selangorkini.
Ismail said various initiatives have been implemented under the Human Resources Ministry through Socso to boost awareness among contributors, including gig workers.
“Among them are advocacy programmes, strategic collaborations and engagement sessions with various parties, including government and private agencies and service providers such as Grab, Lalamove and Lazada,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_375639" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Selangor Socso director Ismail Abi Hashim speaks to the media during the 2025 Selangor State Budget dialogue session at the Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam, on September 24, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Ismail said the government’s move to make compulsory SESSS contributions for licensed traders from January 1 next year to support them financially in case of workplace disasters.
“To ensure this group is registered under and contributing to the SESSS, Socso will continue working with all local authorities nationwide throughout the transition period.
“In addition, SESSS contribution was mooted as a prerequisite to apply or renew business licences under local authorities to increase traders’ awareness on contributing.
“Socso is also improving the Self-Employed Social Security Act 2017,” he said.
Earlier, Socso chief communications and corporate affairs officer Roshaimi Mat Rosely said the agency aims to reach a million contributors in the self-employed category by year-end.
He said that until September 27, 693,969 individuals were registered as active self-employed contributors nationwide.
