Hawkers and Small Traders Urged to Join Perkeso for Workplace Safety Benefits.


BUTTERWORTH: Hawkers and small traders nationwide are encouraged to contribute to the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) to ensure they are protected in the event of workplace accidents. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick emphasized the importance of this initiative during a significant event aimed at improving the welfare of these workers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Perkeso and the Coalition of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations of Malaysia (GPPPKMM) marks a milestone in facilitating voluntary contributions by small traders under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS). Minister Ewon Benedick urged not only members of GPPPKMM but also the wider community of hawkers and small traders to make contributions, highlighting the benefits received by three small traders who faced workplace accidents.

The MoU was signed by Perkeso Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz M
ohammed and GPPPKMM President Datuk Zainal Abidin Abdul Majid at the 2024 National Level Hawkers and Petty Traders Day Carnival (HPPK) held at PICCA Convention Centre, Butterworth Arena. The event was attended by Human Resource Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong and Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.

Zainal Abidin mentioned that GPPPKMM currently represents about 450,000 members across 177 branches nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak. The organization aims to boost voluntary contributions, targeting 100,000 contributors by the end of the year.

The event also included the launch of MYPenjaja Rice, canopy donations for hawkers and small traders, SKSPS benefit distributions to three recipients, and a Malaysia Book of Records award presentation to Apam Balik Seri Menanti Istana Premium for producing 2,751 apam balik at a single event. HPPK2024 was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with approximately 30,000 visitors from across the country
attending the carnival, which began yesterday and concludes tomorrow.