Kelantan: The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has distributed benefits amounting to nearly RM3.5 million to workers and beneficiaries in Kelantan from January to June this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the largest portion of these funds, approximately RM2.388 million, was allocated for Temporary Disablement Benefit (TDB) payments under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969. This benefit is specifically for contributors who suffer workplace accidents that temporarily prevent them from fulfilling their job duties.

PERKESO Kelantan deputy director, Nor Aziemah Ismail, highlighted other significant disbursements during the same period. RM73,000 was provided in Dependants' Benefit payments to the next of kin of workers who died due to employment-related accidents. Additionally, nearly RM1 million was paid out as Funeral Benefits to families of deceased workers. Each claim for this benefit receives a payment of RM3,000, with a priority to approve claims within 24 hours once all required documents are submitted, to assist families in managing funeral arrangements promptly.

Nor Aziemah also noted that under the 24-Hour Employment Injury Scheme, PERKESO Kelantan approved nine claims for sick leave benefit payments to contributors. This scheme offers protection to workers even if accidents occur outside of working hours, including during personal activities. Among the cases approved were incidents involving a motorcycle convoy and a trip to a child's tuition class. So far, RM1,300 in sick leave benefits has been disbursed to the nine eligible recipients under this scheme.