Kota Bharu: The level of awareness among the Kelantanese, particularly housewives, in contributing to the Housewives' Social Security Scheme (SKSSR), offered by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), remains low. State Perkeso director Nora Yaacob highlighted the agency's struggle to meet its annual target of at least 5,000 contributors since the scheme's introduction in 2022. The scheme aims to provide financial protection for housewives in cases of accident, illness, or even death.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nora Yaacob noted that despite the financial security benefits for contributors and their families, the target has yet to be met. "We have observed that many housewives have yet to take advantage of this scheme. Last year, our target was 5,000 contributors, but we only reached 3,000 - just 60 per cent of the goal," she said, emphasizing the missed opportunity for women in Malaysia.
Nora highlighted the scheme's affordability, with an annual contribution of RM120 providing substantial benefits. She spoke to reporters after presenting a Perkeso Prihatin box and SKSSR benefits to a widower, Ahmad Zikri Ariffin, 38, at Lorong Sentosa, Jalan Bayam.
Elaborating on the scheme, Nora explained that it is open to female contributors aged 54 and below, regardless of their employment status. Eligible contributors can make claims for accidents, disabilities, or death, with benefits including medical coverage, disability compensation, sick leave allowance, rehabilitation, dialysis, funeral assistance, and a survivor's pension.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zikri expressed his surprise upon receiving an RM300 benefit from SKSSR, as his late wife, Wan Mastura Hassan, 33, had contributed in 2023 without his knowledge. He acknowledged the financial support's role in easing his family's burden after his wife's passing due to a lung infection in November last year. Ahmad Zikri will continue receiving benefits until he turns 55 or until his children, aged between eight and 13, reach 21, helping to alleviate the financial strain of supporting his family on his income of around RM400 a month.