KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 — Starting next month, all applications for Social Security Organisation (Socso) benefits under four main Acts can be submitted online, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.
The digitalisation initiative covers the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969, the Self-Employed Social Security Act 2017, the Employment Insurance System Act 2017, and the Housewives’ Social Security Act 2022.
“To avoid inconvenience to contributors, applications can be submitted online using either a mobile phone or a computer starting January 1 next year.
“I believe this is a positive step as it will save time and reduce travel costs to Socso offices,” he said during a media conference after his first official working visit to Menara Socso today.
Also present were Socso board chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
Apart from digitalisation, efforts are underway to implement the Non-Workplace Accident Scheme (SKBBK), also known as LINDUNG 24 Jam, by the first quarter or by the end of the second quarter of next year.
Ramanan, who was appointed Human Resources Minister following the recent Cabinet reshuffle, said he is committed to ensuring that the scheme, which the Dewan Negara has passed, is implemented transparently, smoothly, and effectively for the benefit of workers.
Regarding cross-border workers, he said that Socso plans to introduce a Traveller Scheme, with a feasibility study next year to identify the most suitable protection mechanism.
“Almost 400,000 Malaysians work in Singapore and cross the Johor Causeway daily. I have instructed Socso to find ways to provide them with protection to ensure their safety,” Ramanan said.
To ease the burden on employers, Socso has agreed to offer an 80 per cent reduction in Interest on Late Payment Contributions (ILPC) from today until the end of February next year.
“Socso has agreed to reduce the penalty by 80 per cent, provided the outstanding amount is settled before the end of February,” he said, adding that the incentive is aimed at helping employers, particularly those in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector, to continue their operations.
